Queen of the World - An England/GB Semi-Interactive AAR

[JQuacker]

Flag of the United Kingdom, reflecting game progress

Queen of the World
An England/GB Semi-Interactive Achievement Rule the World Campaign​

I'm looking to earn a few achievements with GB, and play a strong naval nation - something I haven't really done yet. Many thanks to those who offered their input in my "ask a veteran" thread here. Special thanks to Extraordinarii for starting the 1.9.2 HYW thread here, and to earlofbrigand for an alternate strategy (which I'm combining together to some extent) in that same thread, and to Viperswhip for his helpful tips in the same thread.

So yes, I'm gunning (no matter the restarts) to win the HYW. "Win" doesn't have to mean PU - see first story post. I'd like to try a "lazy WC," meaning I'm not necessarily gunning hardcore for it, but will take opportunities to take everything over as I can. I'd like to avoid cheese like becoming HRE (so for that reason I may not WC), but all-in-all I want to hit achievements and have fun. Thanks for joining me & reading.

Final Acquired Achievements
One Night in Paris - acquired 1562
At Every Continent - acquired ~1735
The Grand Armada - acquired 1797
No Pirates in my Caribbean - acquired 1806
Four For Trade - acquired 1772
Trade Hegemon - acquired 1757
A Pile of Gold - acquired 1785
Georgia on my Mind - acquired 1777

Others that were in the initial potentiality goal:
Master of India
Over A Thousand!
Crush the Rebellion (if opportunity presents itself)
Princess in the Castle (as luck will have it)
World Conqueror (not specifically a WC attempt, but if luck be a lady, this Queen'll take it)
Traditional Player
Turn the Table (if not WC, could release a bunch of vassals and cheese this one)

Mods
GFX Overhaul - Ironman 2.0
TBARW Extra: Transparent political map mode
Bigger Diplomacy View
Bigger Production Interface
Bigger Peace View
Even Better Terra Incognita

Interactivity rules/details:
I'll be providing limited options for a vote with time cut off. I expect voting open times to be less than 24 hours, as I am able to play generally every morning. Comments/reasons about your vote are welcome, but debate is not allowed (per forum rules). In case of ties, I'll be a tie-breaker (while also taking into account well-defended votes).

Mild Interactivity approved by Mr. Capiatlist - 8. Jan 2015.

Table of Contents
Attempt 1
1444: The Hundred Years' War Part 1
1453: The Hundred Years' War Part 2

Attempt 2
Restart: 1444-1502 - The Hundred Years' War & Early Advancements
1502-15xx - I've made a huge mistake

Attempt 3
Restart 3: 1444-1471 - The Hundred Years' War & Vassalization
1471-75 - The Burgundian Wars without Burgundy
1475-78 - A United Great Britain
1478-1521 - A United Kingdom Rises
1521-1541 - Two Alliances Broken, Two Times to the Ottomans
1541-1547 - Warring with Sunnis and the Orthodox
1547-1562 - Invading Iberia & Russia
1562-1577 - Three New Vassals - One Night in Paris achievement acquired
1577-1583 - Great Britain can into Russia & Iberia
1583-1645 - Regency & Expansion
1645-1664 - The Death of a Diplomat
1664-1678 - Into The Beginnings of the World
1678-1720 - Our Stint in the Middle East
1720-1745 - The First Quarter Century of the End - At Every Continent achievement acquired
1745-1763 - Those Pesky Iberians - Trade Hegemon achievement acquired
1763-1786 - Rounding Third - Four for Trade, Georgia on My Mind, and A Pile of Gold achievements acquired
1786-1797 - Regency & Armada - A Grand Armada achievement acquired
1797-1813 - Epilogue: No Pirates in My Caribbean, Just Lots of Rebels - No Pirates in My Caribbean! achievement acquired
​

 

[delpiero1234]

England can into world conquest

 

[JQuacker]

1444: The Hundred Years' War Part 1

Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York​

Only eighteen years. In the time it takes an infant to become full man, Richard had witnessed much since his knighting. An impotent king by lineage and blood. The poor boy, orphaned at 16, with the title of "king" since before he could even utter the word itself. Richard had been there for Henry's coronations, both in England almost exactly fifteen years ago, and in France two years after that. But Henry VI was little older than the time Richard had been a full knight, and he stands in the way to the English throne - to which Richard has legitimate claim.

But for now, he is sent to Gascogne to oversee the garrison of 8,000 souls there, and is sent to march on Armagnac's 5,000. The troops of Foix, should they join the fray, could swing the battle for the French.

---

To war! I've done probably 50 restarts; mostly from Aragon being rival or no Morale MIL advistor, etc. Then when those are good, I've had to restart from either being impatient, messing up, or (most often) bad dice rolls. I am going to "restart scum" until I can get to a point where I win the HYW without crippling England. Came really close several times (that I botched), officially did force PU once but was in terrible debt.

20-year goals:
"Win" HYW - either by PU or land snatch/vassal release.
Vassalize or conquer British Isles
Take Iceland
Look to Baltics and/or Granada

Two Votes:
Henry VI has no heir. Should we:

1. Seek to marry those who will have us
2. Let the Houses of York and Lancaster fight it out

What outcome should we seek from the Hundred Years' War?

• Personal Union with France
• Take lands, money, vassals, and crush France in the long-term

Deadline - Friday, Jan 9 @ 11:00 GMT

 

[MiniaAr]

If I may and if you're not too averse to cheese, for the HYW you can take a trade power treaty from Navarra and get Provence out of the war by giving them the Navarran trade power. Alternatively, you can give that to France to preserve your continental provinces, and try your luck at a PU with the mission that will become available once you control the British Isles. With Austria and Aragon at your side, establishing the PU is easier than from the start, in my experience.

I will use my votes:
2. Let York and Lancaster fight it out, no filthy foreign dynasty on the glorious English/British throne. :angry:
A. Personal Union with France, I'll like to see how one should manage that.

 

[JQuacker]

1453: The Hundred Years' War Part 2

Battle of Castillion, 1453​

Nine years since the assignment to Gascogne. The war lingers on (but what Hundred Years' War doesn't?) and Richard of York has seen many battles. The diplomats continue to work their graces, and royal marriages are secured with Portugal, Navarre, Brittany, and Aragon. It pays off, and on 13 April, 1445, Henry Frederick Lancaster is born.

Hungary later joins the war, and combine with French and Provençal forces. Over the years, they siege out Caux & Normandy, then move south to take Labourd & Gascogne. The war enters a period of stalemate, until Hungarian and Provençal forces move through Burgundy to Calais. Our diplomats once again save the day, and we are granted land access to Burgundy. Richard of York once again leads the troops against them, and win the day. Troops from Lorraine attempt the same siege some time later, and after being chased to Metz, are utterly destroyed. France is unable to get to Calais. The remaining English forces are removed to Kent, as manpower and funds are quickly depleting. All seems lost, until a miracle in 1452. Burgundy declares war on France.

Their forces are joined by Cleves & The Palatinate, and while they combined do not necessarily outmatch France, they provide a much-needed distraction. On top of that, Brittany declares war on Provence. Soon our foes are distracted. Brittany, like Burgundy, is overwhelmed by the forces against them, but allow Richard of York to siege Provence.

Portugal is called to war, but within two weeks, declare White Peace with France. Useless allies. In the meantime, relations with rival Austria & Castile are positive, and White Peace has been made with Hungary. However, some loans have been taken, and manpower is eliminated. Any more troops will need to be mercenary forces.

---

Finally, I'm in a game where the war seems to be going well. I can, at the least, get White Peace with France. With Provence distracted, I'm almost finished with the siege of Provence, and want to siege Maine & Anjou. I'm doing troop mopping wherever possible.

Facts

Spoiler

English Forces/Manpower: 23,857/201
Burgundian Forces/Manpower: 11,400/1000
French Forces/Manpower: 18,000/349
Armagnac Forces/Manpower: 0/11,000
Auvergne Forces/Manpower: 0/10,000
Bourbonnais Forces/Manpower: 1,000/11,000
Foix Troops/Manpower: 1,000/10,000
Orleans Forces/Manpower: 800/10,000
Provençal Forces/Manpower: 5,000/3,500
Lorraine Forces/Manpower: 3,200/11,000
Cleves Forces/Manpower: 3,100/8,300
The Palatinate Forces/Manpower: 2,000/7,500
Brittany - forgot to check, but I'm guessing they're around 3000 troops/10000 manpower
Total Allied Forces (incl Burgundy/others): ~40,000
Total Enemy Forces: ~24,000

Warscore/Exhaustion: -2%/6.96 (7.16 French/8.10 Provençal)
Economy: 5 loans, 375 ducats. .2% inflation, +2.25 income/mo
ADM/DIP/MIL: 247/437/319
Stab: +2

Immediate goals:
Siege out Provence, and get separate peace. Vote below for demands.
Siege out France, rescuing own provinces while removing French vassal's abilities to reinforce with existing manpower pools

20-year goals:
"Win" HYW - either by PU or land snatch/vassal release
Vassalize or conquer British Isles
Take Iceland
Look to Baltics and/or Granada

Two Votes:
How shall we reinforce?

1. Play it risky: Take out 3-4 loans, hire equivalent mercenary forces to reinforce and siege out France quickly (defending against their troops as necessary)
2. Play it in the middle: Take out 1-2 loans, hire 6,000 mercenary forces to siege 3 provinces at once to supplement the 23,000 English troops
3. Play it safe: Take out no loans, but try to pay the ones off we have & use existing forces to siege France slowly

What outcome should we seek from Provence?

• Vassalage, thus taking over their war with Brittany (in which I believe it is only Brittany vs. Provence, Savoy, & a minor, so a nearly guaranteed win + potential Provence feeding)
• Maine, Anjou, Money
• Just financial restitution

Deadline - Saturday, Jan 10 @ 1400 GMT

---

@MiniaAr - thanks for your input! As it was, the vote ended this morning (EST morning) just before I played, so I went with my "own votes." However, new decisions are up!

 

[delpiero1234]

These are my votes
1.
B. Money is helpful to pay off the loans if you go "Play it risky"

 

[JQuacker]

Update: Sadly, the HYW is a lost cause. France stomped on Burgundy, and would have stomped on me had I not chosen White Peace.

However - on a second pass, I utilized MiniAar's trade power transfer idea, and I'm roflstomping France. Alone. No Burgundy. No Portugal (who won't join, anyways). It feels so rewarding.

 

[JQuacker]

Restart: 1444-1502 - The Hundred Years' War & Early Advancements

A sense of déjà vu as Richard of York takes the field. Armagnac and its 5,000 stand in affront to the English right of lordship. The battle is won, as are other small skirmishes. A foreign advisor, "MiniaAr," whispers in the king's ear. Soon a diplomat is dispatched to Navarre, and another to Provence. The result? Navarre will transfer its trade power to England, which offers this to Provence to have their men stand down from the war. It takes a few months, but eventually they accept. No more Provençal galleys to worry about. We march on Normandie and Caux.

Spoiler

Tuscany joins the war, and 14,000 brave English souls sail to Roman shores, and siege out Pisa & Firenze, only bolstering English power in this war. Then, internal conflicts between the Rose-bannered houses erupts. Richard of York supports the house of York, naturally, but it comes at a crucial point in the war, delaying victory as English troops sail back to the motherland to face down the pretenders. James I of York is crowned, and a while later, a legal heir is born, and there is singing in the streets!

Spoiler

Back on continental land, the English forces launch a vicious final arm to the war. Then, on Christmas Day of 1449, General Richard of York nearly tears up as he walks through the gates of Paris. The city had fallen. A year and a half later, France has naught to do but accept our demands. We take Bearn while establishing the Union, and release Foix.

Spoiler

A short time later, our troops march on Scotland. They won't accept vassalization by peace, so we will take it by force. We succeed, but our now-vassals go bankrupt in the middle of the war. Heretics also rise up shortly after, so the vassal proves to be more of an annoyance than a help, at least in the short term

Spoiler

Tragedy strikes on 26 Jan 1458. The Little Princess, beloved by the nation, falls ill and dies. James of York falls into despair, taking a maid from the kitchen staff. She is impregnated, and a bastard son Edward is born, his claim weak at best. In the meantime, several nations join in coalition against us. Norway, Denmark, Utrecht, Gelre, Munster (who now owns most of Ireland) and Burgundy.

Spoiler

A short war later, we take Armor and Finister from Brittany, and in another one against Aragon (where our worthless ally Portugal fights against us) we claim their vassalage of Navarre, and take Girona & Roussilion for Foix, and Pirineo for Navarre. Then, while Sweden marches on Denmark and Norway, with Austrian support we strike on Burgundy, drawing in the coalition. Our worthless ally Portugal does not join. English troops immediately besiege Munster, but Hungary joins the fight, distracting Austria's much-needed support against Burgundy. Desperate to win this fight, we release Wales & give back Finistre to withdraw Hungarian forces. We can always get Wales back. Even then, our worthless ally Austria leaves 20,000 troops in exile in Savoy for most of the war. It is close, but eventually the English-French-Austrian alliance defeats Burgundian forces, and we claim several provinces - including Orkney for Scotland, and Iceland for us. Our continental holdings increase, and France gets Nevers.

Spoiler

On the domestic front, Edward the Illegitimate falls ill on 1 July 1475, during the coalition war. James tries to do the devout thing this time and pray, but his prayers are unanswered. It isn't for another 13 years that a new child is born, Henry, one with much promise. He is born during a Holy War with Morocco, which Portugal called us to. We take Gharb in a separate peace, increasing our off-shore holdings. Foix is shortly annexed as well.

Spoiler

During this time, we are recovering our economy, taking back Welsh lands to feed to Scotland, and guaranteeing Novgorod. We hear Muscovy is a growing threat, and want to prevent this. Novgorod calls us into war, and with Sweden, Muscovite forces are defeated, allowing Novgorod to take a province in the war. Then, France seizes the chance, and in 1496 declares independence. Garbage. A month later, Brittany declares Coalition War against us, of which Burgundy AND Castile (which now has Union over Aragon) are members. Double-garbage. Our worthless ally Austria joins neither of these wars, but Portugal redeems herself and "helps."

Spoiler

James of York, despite his lack of diplomatic skill, remembers the trade-transfer appeasement, and sends a diplomat to Wales, and to Brittany. Combining with giving back Armor, the coalition is appeased. With another diplomat working tirelessly in Wien, we finally get Austrian "support" in the war, though they do little more than provide fodder for French troops. After six years of war, we are able to White Peace with France - but not before draining the English coffers and bringing War Exhaustion dangerously high. In the meantime, our diplomatic ideas advance, and a third diplomat is hired. This one shall remain in the French courts until there are no more French courts. Our diplomat shows us how to make more powerful ships, perfect for the imminent war with Iberia. Wales is fully taken during this time.

Spoiler

State of Europe, 2 Nov 1502. 58 years have passed. Castile fully annexed Tlemcen, Austria has grown but seems to fight poorly, Muscovy is floundering, Sweden is a strong "friendly" that will need to come down eventually. Unrest is high from War Exhaustion. Gharb's religious disunity is provoking "Internal Conflicts" disaster.

Spoiler

---

The restart was just what I needed. Much time has passed and I forgot to take some screenshots, but the highlights are here. I need to get this exhaustion down. James of York is 75 years old, and Henry is 14. I really need James to die, now. I'm tired of his 4/0/0.

Facts
Immediate goals:
Take more lands from Morocco
Pay off loans
Reduce Exhaustion

20-year goals:
Establish African base of power
Vassalize or conquer British Isles (Munster remains)
Establish Eastern European base of power
Keep France happy (50-year goal) and Integrate ASAP
Form GB (current ADM 8)
Take more Burgundian lands
Eliminate Brittany
War with Iberia, to feed Navarre
Figure out Reformed vs. Protestant for our religion

Past Goals:
"Win" HYW - either by PU or land snatch/vassal release
Take Iceland
Look to Baltics and/or Granada - Took Gharb

Two Votes:
We currently have one tick each in Influence and Diplomacy. ADM 8, DIP 3, MIL 7. The Reformation has just started. What idea group should we choose next?

1. Religious! Get the CB & conversion power for your Muslim provinces
2. Exploration! Gotta get to the New World!
3. Quantity! Get that army into shape!

How should we best deal with Sweden?

• Direct war, taking lands & weakening
• Give them time to implode, then strike
• Take what you can from Norway & Denmark, and use that to grow Baltic holdings for war & vassal feeding

Deadline - Tuesday, Jan 13 @ 1100 GMT

---

@delpiero1234: thanks for your votes! In the restart, we played it risky. Did the separate peace with Provence to get them out fast, so took all the money I could from Tuscany to satisfy vote B.

 

[DKM]

2 - There's money in new land

C - This seems like the most strategic long-term option.

Also, how do you get heirs so fast?! When I play, even if I have a 90% heir chance, I likely won't get an heir even if I wait 50+ years!

 

[delpiero1234]

2. - England can profit from the New World
A - An all-out war might be a good approach to deal with the Swedish.

 

[JQuacker]

Note for idea choice, I've got Influence (2 pips) and Diplomatic (1 pips) so far.

 

[delpiero1234]

Note for idea choice, I've got Influence (2 pips) and Diplomatic (1 pips) so far.

Hmmm. Then I change my vote from Exploration to Religious and hope you take Exploration as fourth idea. Taking three diplomatic ideas in a row might not be a too good.

So my votes are:

1. - Religious
A - an all-out war against Sweden.

 

[MiniaAr]

Wow, I'm pleased to see that my advice was hepful to you.

3. Quantity is what you need to take on France, the New World and all of your ennemies. Take Exploration after and conquer colonies from the Iberians, nothing is more satisfying as England/GB.
1/3. Diplo-vassalise Norway ASAP (I think they still have a few provinces), then all out war against Sweden to feed Norway its cores. The North Sea should be yours.

 

[JQuacker]

So it's 1550-ish. I've taken Galicia as a vassal, fed northern Iberia to them and Navarre, along with Porto. Gotland is mine from a war Austria called me into (separate peace), Akershus, Vinpommeren & Danzing are all mine from a coalition war. Going well. France declares independence again, Austria and I show it who's BOSS. I get them to stop vassalization of Armagnac & Auvergne, and release Champagne. We're reeling from loss of manpower & funds. Then Genoa calls me after I take Defender of Faith, and we're helping them, which includes fighting Portugal. Manpower is way low for France and me. Poor Burgundy has since been utterly destroyed into a OPM, and I counted no less than 5 Bankrupt screens for them.

It's at this time that Austria calls me to war with Venice, Castle, Aragon, and minors. In my current state, I don't think I can take that on, so I decline (stupidly forgetting the Prestige hit). I want them as my ally, so I request alliance again, stupidly thinking they can't call me in again. They can, and do. I (once again stupidly) decline, and now I'm negative prestige and Austria is justifiably unhappy with me. I've gone Protestant, and nearing 50% unity when Religious Turmoil hits. All the events sap money or spawn rebels, and my manpower still hasn't recovered. It is at this time that my king decides to croak, breaking the Union with France because my prestige is in the tubes thanks to my huge mistake. I declare on Champagne to keep France from getting them, and then my 2nd king decides to die as well, leaving me with a 14-year regency for a 1/0/1 Jane York. France declares on Champagne as well, so I decide that instead of taking Champagne's 3 provinces, I'll vassalize them to get the war France, who has about 1/2 the army I do with my vassals, and claim more French lands. I forget they've got god-tier leaders and 3 ticks Offensive. So even though we're tech-matched, they beat me in 2:1 battles against them.

At this point another restart is best.

---

Things to do differently:

• Probably not take 2 diplomatic idea groups in a row. I want Influence and Diplomacy, but having them both with a 4/0/0 ruler was painful. I need things from both of them. Couple that with Exploration as well...grr. I think exploration can wait till 5th or 6th. If I'm able to smash up the Iberians, then Exploration is less crucial earlier, and can wait till 1600s. I think Diplomacy first, to get the diplomat, relations slot, and province cost earlier - plus the reduced stability hit will be helpful for some No-CB wars. I found myself unable to attack anyone without Truce Breaking or No-CB -2 stab hits. 2nd idea will be MIL or ADM, depending on the strength of my ruler. 3rd will be Influence or the other of MIL/ADM, 4th will be remainder of that, and 5th Exploration. I don't like putting it off that far, but I can't see it being as helpful earlier in, unlike Diplomacy for the aforementioned reasons, and Influence for all the vassal bonuses that I'll need earlier. Subject force limits, etc. By the 3rd idea group, I'll be closer to needing to annex one/few of them, so the reduction in cost will help by then. -50% Unjustified Demands and AE reduction are perfect too.
• I think the French problem is best dealt with by tearing them apart. The Personal Union could work, but I think it's more hassle than its worth. Two independence wars in 100 years, and a breaking as well. Coupled with no monthly income, and that French troops basically sit on their butts for any distant wars, I think I'd best be served by breaking them into 1-2 vassals. I really like Navarre's ideas, and think they're a good vassal to feed.
• Realize that a war alongside Austria that I might not win is better than huge prestige hits and loss of PU. Stand by my allies as much as possible, and Austria makes a great ally since they hate Burgundy, too.
• I need to be better about taking provinces in a coreable way. I took Gotland before Akershus so that meant sitting on overextension as it was too far to core. Wasn't much, but with war exhaustion staying 5+ for a while, it can be problematic.

All in all it was a good run, I have high hopes for my next one.

MiniaAr, that advice is some of the best. If I got into a war over my head, the transfer trade power from some minor would help get a major off my back for a bit. I'm going to milk it all I can until it gets killed off in some patch.

 

[delpiero1234]

Good luck with your next try. I hope it will turn out better

 

[JQuacker]

Thanks. Stay tuned! Will get the start either tonight or tomorrow morning.

I almost hate to quit - Albania still exists in this game. I have no idea how.

 

[DKM]

Good luck!

 

[JQuacker]

Restart 3: 1444-1471 - The Hundred Years' War & Vassalization

King Henry VII​

"Feel I've been here before..." Richard of York mutters to himself. He joins the troops in Gascogne, and charges Armagnac.

A few months later on 12 April, 1445, the Impotent King is blessed with an heir - and this one shows much promise! Shortly after, trade power is transferred from the Irish minors to Savoy & Provence, pulling them from the war.

Spoiler

The war ravages on for many years, and Burgundy makes her move - against France! English troops rejoice as they slaughter those from Orleans. Then on 12 February, 1451, Richard of York walks into Paris. Surveying the landscape, he declares a claim on northern France. Burgundy does little besides roll over - and provide the additional support troops that help us defeat France.

Spoiler

A quick siege of France, whose numbers equal zero, and we've won the war on 4 April 1453 - but not without exhausting manpower and running up a large deficit. The Personal Union deemed too risky, we take lands to release Champagne as our vassal. Just a year later on 7 November 1454, there is slight mourning in the land as Henry VI passes into shadow. A small band rises up against the young Henry VII's regency, and they are easily squashed.

Spoiler

The land-grab from France brings many foes, and a coalition of several minors, Brittany, and Burgundy arises. They attack in 1457, but with Tyronian trade power, coalition leader Brittany stands down. We spend the time paying down loans and regaining manpower, and on 17 April 1460, Henry VII Lancaster rises to the throne, and diplomatic Henry VIII becomes heir.

Spoiler

In the next two years, Tyrone accepts vassalization, and Brittany has forgotten their ire as they ally us. We take diplomatic ideas, and immediately advance two ticks to get a Diplomat and a Relations slot. May 1463 we pay the remaining loan from the Hundred Years' War - ten years after the war's end. 1464, we advance Ideas again, and our ship's cannons are improved.

Spoiler

We thought Navarre was a lost cause - Castile and Austria had warred in Succession war over her, and the Iberians won. However, relations broke down, and Navarre was freed. We pounce. Diplomatically. During this, Provence lost its capital to The Pope, and we take Anjou for Champagne. This causes Burgundy to join a coalition against us - but while in a regency council, we expect little from them.

Spoiler

Leinster has taken over Cannaught & Munster - so we quickly war with them to feed Tyrone in 1468. One more war to come, and Ireland will be ours.

Spoiler

By 1470, we've advanced in Administrative to 5 and Military to 6 - to match France. We need more lands from them, and their alliance with Scotland keeps us from gaining all British homelands. They, however, join Burgundy's coalition. Bad news. Then, on 16 May 1471 - France and Burgundy declare war!

Spoiler

---

Another restart. But that Henry VII is AWESOME. May he live long and prosper (especially with Henry VIII being 2/4/0). No war of roses this time, either - the heir triggered in less than a year this time.

Things are looking pretty good. Champagne is my French-region vassal, and will be fed France & Burgundy as they accept most of those cultures. Navarre will be my Iberian vassal - I love their NIs and they can take Iberia. Galicia might come out too, depending on how the imminent Iberian wars go. Aragon is my loyal ally, so I can see them helping against Castile, but Portugal is still "Defensive" about me and allied with Castile. They might go the way of "my worthless (former) ally."

Then, of course, there's the issue of this French-Burgundian War vs. Me, Portugal, and Aragon. Not sure if I want to fight that one or try to peace out quickly. I can take on France solo, but with full-strength Burgundy...not quick. Portugal is so far away and Aragon has a great navy but not so many troops. I'm thinking about peacing out quickly and gunning for Scotland. This will probably pull France back to war, but without Burgundy - what I was planning before France beat me to it. Somewhat cheesy, but that's the ART OF WAR, (W)ITCHES!

Unfortunately this time, Austria rivals me. I've been trying to improve relations, etc., so hopefully they'll break that soon. I've been using two diplomats to make anyone and everyone around happy with me - or at least trying.

Facts

Spoiler

Nothing to see here now.

Immediate goals:
Scotland, sweet, sweet Scotland.
Take Leinster once truce is up (prolly around 1480)

20-year goals:
Establish African base of power
Establish Eastern European base of power
Take Iceland
Look to Baltics and/or Granada
Take more Burgundian lands
Eliminate Brittany
War with Iberia, to feed Navarre

Past Goals:
"Win" HYW - either by PU or land snatch/vassal release

Two Votes:
When the Reformation hits, how shall we go?

1. Stay true to the Catholic roots!
2. Protestant - gain ideas quickly!
3. Reformed - play the Fervor mini-game!

Henry the VIII. 2/4/0. Should we:

• Keep the charismatic one alive
• Let him lead our armies to victory when he comes of age
• Select higher chance of heir-death options in any possible events

Deadline - Saturday, Jan 17 @ 1100 GMT

---

@DKM: From your question way back - I guess my kings are just more fertile? ;-) I dunno, I thought the 13 years with no heir and a 60+ king was hairy enough.

Thanks for the luck! We'll see how it goes.

 

[JQuacker]

1471-75 - The Burgundian Wars without Burgundy

King Henry VII​

Henry VII knew his forces, combined with Portuguese and Aragonese forces could provide the best blockade of France and Burgundy the world had ever seen, but that would not win any land battles in Normandie. No, this conflict was best served by getting Burgundy to stand down. A quick truce is made with Brittany's trade power, giving France some economic boost post-Hundred Years' War. War is immediately declared on Scotland, and France joins in - just what Henry VII wants.

Spoiler

Initial gains are made. 40,000 English troops cause the 18,000 stationed in Île-de-France to retreat, and one year from the start of the war in June 1472, siege out the province and Vermandois to the north, Champagne's other core. Aragon's troops assist early, but face defeat by a reinforced France. Portugal lands in Scotland and plays cat-and-mouse with Scottish forces. The highlander reinforcements are blocked on their islands by our transport fleet, and the light ships blockade their main port. 14 October 1472 sees a bittersweet victory in Narbonne. We may have won the battle, but our numerical losses are higher. Good leaders pay off for France.

Spoiler

By that spring, wins and losses have mounted on both sides, with casualties in the tens of thousands. The French forces flee to Bourbon, battered. In April 1473, England claims its first major victory since the siege of Paris. The next month, Friesland's forces are completely obliterated by Gen. Brock in Orleanais.

Spoiler

The next two years see the siege of France, Auvergne, Armagnac, Orleanais, and Bourbonnais. Portugal lands more troops in Scotland, and after some ping-ponging, defeat the last Scottish defenders on 21 Feb 1475. Friesland accepts peace three days later for the remainder of their coffers, and France follows six days after that on 2 April. Henry VII makes heavy demands of them, as much as possible. They must be punished for declaring war upon us. Champagne gets their last core, and Foix is eaten by Navarre. Armagnac's vassalization is ended, leaving them easy prey to recover our core later on.

Spoiler

English troops load into the transports and head to Scotland to finish the war. In the meantime, rebels took over Maine, the last remaining Provençal province, and it has defected to France. Provence is no more. Austria has also ended their rivalry of us. Next year we may end ours of them, and begin a long friendship of hating Burgundy. France has now moved their capital to Poitou, deeming Paris too unsafe.

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Things are progressing well, though a bit more slowly. Without France, I was not able to get Scotland as quickly - but I've weakened France considerably. The capital shift helps a lot, and I'll look to claim what I can from them once truce timers are up. I'm hoping Burgundy & France attack each other, leaving me to pounce as able. Austria's alliance shall be secured ASAP, once rival timer is up. I forget who my other able rival is.

Facts

Spoiler

Nothing to see here now.

Immediate goals:
Scotland, sweet, sweet Scotland.
Take Leinster once truce is up (prolly around 1480)
Ally Austria
No-CB attack somewhere in North Africa, hopefully with Aragonese & Portuguese help. Unless they declare first and ask for my help.

20-year goals:
Establish African base of power
Establish Eastern European base of power
Integrate Tyrone as soon as Leinster is taken
Take Iceland
Look to Baltics
Take some Burgundian lands
Eliminate Brittany - once RM is up, or if I can vassalize them.
War with Iberia, to feed Navarre

Past Goals:
"Win" HYW - either by PU or land snatch/vassal release

Same two Votes from last post:
When the Reformation hits, how shall we go?

1. Stay true to the Catholic roots!
2. Protestant - gain ideas quickly!
3. Reformed - play the Fervor mini-game!

Henry the VIII. 2/4/0. Should we:

• Keep the charismatic one alive
• Let him lead our armies to victory when he comes of age
• Select higher chance of heir-death options in any possible events

Deadline - Saturday, Jan 17 @ 1100 GMT

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[pgroves]

Can we have some screenies of the political maps?