Spain convential but still enjoyable

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Just wanted to say HI and to inform that I will post a Spanish AAR in this forum. Currently I've got to the middle of the 16th century and its starting to get interesting. Keep in mind that a closely won battle at the right time could be the difference between glory and total loss.

Good reading, and feel free to comment, its the best way of learning!

 

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In January 1492, His Majesty King Ferdinand and Her Majesty Isabella ask me to assist their rule as Prime minister. I gladly accept this offer and swore to serve Spain to the best of my abilities.

The country is divided into separate parts, Spain, Netherlands, Franche-Comté, Sicily, Baleares, Malta, Sardinia and The Canary Islands. No land borders to efficiently move defence forces and a lot of borders to different countries. However, Spain is the richest nation in Europe and also the largest. A lot of possibilities as well as potential trouble. We are still fighting the war with Granada, a war that we will win, no doubt.

The rule of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

1492

A strange fellow, an Italian from Genoa, Señor Cristobal Colon (or Columbus as he sometimes call himself, pretending to be Scottish I presume), is waiting with his 3 ships in Cadiz to sail to India across the Atlantic ocean. I sometimes disagree with His majesty, but everyone knows that India is to the east. King Ferdinand did however pay for this expedition from his own royal pocket (which is an acronym for the national treasury). Columbus leaves Andalucia in January, God be with him.

We split the army in Toledo, send one half to Sierra Nevada to lay siege to the city and the other half to cut the Granadians off so they cannot take Andalucia. Our Spies at the Granadian court have told us of a plan to take Andalucia and Estrameduras. We are however quite convinced that there will be no such thing. Granada will fall before the end of the year.

We win over the Granadians in Andalucia and follow them north to Estrameduras (they hold the city for 3 days before the battle commences) we then let them siege Toledo (only 4000 men left in the Granadian army by this time.

1493
Sierra Nevada falls on February 14 and Granada is annexed. Finally peace again.
I start to create a plan on how to best protect Spanish interests in Europe and in the Mediterranean. When I present my plan to the king, he finds it suitable for his ambitions for the time being. We raise troops in Franche-Comté and the in Netherlands to take care of the French threat. France is strengthening her army and fortifications in the north.

In April, France (Tunisia, Savoy, Papal state, Poland and Navarra) declare WAR on first England and then Lothringen. We decides that we have to honour our alliance with England and we intervene on their side.

We send our army in Spain north and lay Siege to Bearn. The English and French are fighting in Calais and in Kent. We send in our 6000 men army from the Netherlands to siege Paris.

In December Columbus finally reaches India. A small province called Roanoke where the Indians grow cabbage that they dry, put on fire and breath in the smoke. King Ferdinand found the product ridiculous (in public), but starts to use it with enjoyment. Columbus is again sent to India to further explore the wealth of the continent. We send 100 volunteers to Roanoke to settle down and open a harbour an form a colony to support further exploration of the area.

1494
In April, the siege of Bearn proves successful and the city is now in our control. We send our forces south to Navarra, but as soon as they reach the country, England, as leader of the Alliance, accepts a French peace suggestion where the two states return to status quo. King Ferdinand called the Spanish ambassador to the Royal court and strangled him to death with his bare hands. The Ambassador's adjutant is ordered by his Majesty to forward the message to the king of England. With England as allied, we sure do not need any enemies.

The calm in Europe ends when Poland (France, Tunisia, Savoy, Papal state, Navarra) goes to war with Turkey (Tripolitania) in October.

1495
Columbus discovers the coastlines of India and finally on 4th of July he lands on an Island he calls Curacao. This day the expedition celebrates with wine. They decide to continue to celebrate this day for as long as they live.

1496
Nothing important happens this year. We are still following our plan for Spain's future.

1497
In April, a peace agreement is signed between Poland and Turkey. Bujak is now a part of Poland.

1498
Hopelessly calm year. Columbus discovered more land in India. He is still searching for the rich provinces Marco Polo described from his journey to India and China. He did find the island of Jipango that Marco Polo wrote about. The Indians did however exaggerate the importance of the island. A colony is founded in Guantanamo province on the island of Jipango.

1499
In August Poland annexes Courland. That strengthens their economy and also gives them further access to the Baltic Sea. Poland seems to be planning to take over Spain's position as the leader of Europe.

1500
We discover that the land Columbus found was not India. It seems to be a new continent. New Spain sounds like a good name. The King agrees. In December, the very first town in New Spain is given city rights, Roanoke.

1501
This year is just boring. Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork.

1502
The alliance with England expires. We see no point in renewing it for the time being.

1503
Another boring year, the colonies are growing in New Spain and an expedition is sent to explore the coast of Africa. India is still over there somewhere.

1504
We discover a civilisation in New Spain, the Iroquis. They send a diplomat to the Royal Spanish court.
We also suggest to the king a new way of dividing Spain. He has some concerns however, mainly due to the fact that some provinces are not under our control. The decision is to go with the plan and to advance step by step.
France (Scotland, Savoy, Papal State, Poland, Navarra) DoW England.

1505
Natives kill the entire population in the colony of Isthmus. A sad day for the Spanish Empire.

1506
On February 22, the great explorer Cristobal Colon dies. The entire Spanish people cry for months and a statue is raised in every city in New Spain.

1507
We arrange a Royal Marriage with Denmark and find that half their army is placed in the island of Gotland. What a move.

1508
A Spanish expedition arrives at Cape of Good Hope. They see however a Portugese ship coming from the east. You never know what those Portu-geezers are up to.

1509
A beautiful day in May, Amerigo Vespucci discovers Massachusetts. He found the area so nice that he decides to name the entire continent after himself, Ameriga.

1510
In March Lothringen (Lorraine) agrees to become a Spanish Vassal state, just like Naples. A peace agreement between France and England is signed. The province Meath (on Ireland) is now French. More wars between France and England to come is my prediction.

1511
A very calm year. More settlers are sent to Ameriga and Africa. We found our first colony in Asia, Quatar. Naples however refuses to be annexed by Spain. I suppose they will soon come to their sences.

1512
Russia annexes Kazan. Still we do not find the Russians a threat, they have plenty of things to do on their back-yard.

1513
The first Spanish ship arrives in India. We found a colony in Cochin. Brandenburg goes to war with Hansean.

1514
Spanish exlorers find Ceylon and continues east. Jipango cannot be far away. In America, there are now a couple of foreign Trading Posts (TP's), both French and English.

1515
A peace agreement is signed between Brandenburg and Hansean. Magdeburg to the Hansean League.

1516
Baden (Thuringen) DoW's Lothringen. A white peace is signed before the end of the year. Our beloved King Ferdinand dies. The Royal doctor suspect that he might have tried to eat tobacco leafs. Long live the new king Felipe I. Our plans are approved by our king, he seems to be a really nice fellow.

To be continued

 

[Deaghaidh]

Spains underated IMHO, and perfectly good fodder for an AAR.

Might I suggest more detail on colonization? or is it moving too quickly to keep track of

North Africa is also a good idea for Spain, free CBs on all of it, good use for one of your conquistadores

One thing though- Naples won't agree for annexation until you have a shared border, no matter how hard you try. I'd focus on Lorraine, and bridge the gap between the Lowlands and Franche-Comte.

Don't forget diplomacy! I'm not seeing any Royal marriages, or even alliances! a sturdy anti-french league of Naples, Lorraine, various Germans, Navarra, and if possible Austria is usually a good bet for Spain.

 

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Hello Deaghaidh,

thank you for the feedback, it's really great to get. I will start to describe the colonisation more next time. Being allied to England as playing Spain is totally useless in the beginning, it will just drag you into unwanted wars, discovered that in my first attemt as Spain a month ago.
There are a few interesting German states, but it is hard to focus on Ameriga, India, South Africa, South East Asia and Western Europe. A tendency to play like a machine when focusing on too much seems hard to avoid.

I'm currently playing 1578 and my notes are more complete from 1538 and increases even more after 1570 when I started to read Ariel's Master piece. I decided not to get that detailed, my English (as not having English as native language) does not allow getting facts too interesting. There will however be plenty to write about.

Time for the next installment

 

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The peaceful years

1517
King Felipe seem not to be in very good shape. The country is ruled from the King's bedroom, I even have a desk in the Royal chambers. A monarch in pyjamas tends to be found somewhat amusing among the Spanish peasants. The King usually curses the peasants for their jokes. We hope that our enemies in Europe do not take advantage of this weakness, even though we are doing our best to cover the current situation. The year passes peacefully in Europe, no major conflicts.

1518
In March, Cologne becomes our vassal.

1519
In January, the bedroom-government ends when our wise King Felipe dies. God be with him. Long live the new King Carlos I. We are sure that King Carlos will make Spain the land of Hope and Glory, the mother of the Free.
Progress is made in Ameriga, the coast from Massachusetts to Biloxi is controlled by Spain except the tiny English trading post in Chesapeake. The French has a few TP's along the coast north of Massachusets, as well as the English. Sweden gets its first colony, Antigua. Cuba is now all in our hands and volunteer conquistadors regularly shows up in Guantanamo to help explore Ameriga. A few of them are later sent to explore in Africa and in India.

1520
The annexation of Lorraine is celebrated throughout the Spanish Empire on April 21. This gives us a safe passage between Franche-Comté and the Netherlands. This proves to the old Hawks in the Spanish nobility that war is not the only solution. In the bargain togehter with two provinces, Spain also get some 21.000 soldiers that could be found useful.

1521
Another day of mourning as Magellan dies in April. He was a true hero that offered his life for his country and explored both South Ameriga as well as finding a sea route from the Coast of Brazil to Guinea. Johann III from Kleve was chosen new Emperor in the Holy Roman Empire (HRE).

1522
The Kings favourite dog died.

1523
Hansean went to war with Brandenburg. The Hansean forces advance into the Brandenburg provinces and lay siege to their cities. The Hansean fleet are out looking for Brandenburgian ships to sink. Good luck I say as Brandenburg is landlocked.

1524
The Hansean league now controls all provinces of Brandenburg except one. This does not look good, as our King is not interested in getting a major power in Germany. The buffer zone between Poland and Spain is useful to our security.

1525
Brandenburg in annexed by the Hansean league.

1526
Russia goes to war with the Golden Horde. Spain does not find much interest in following this war. The colonisation of India continues, Pondicherry is the second (after Cochin) colony in India to become a city. Spain also establishes a colony in Jakarta to help our explorers in the Far East.

1527
Russia, a growing power in the east, finally annexes the Golden Horde. Spain however have no ambitions for Eastern Europe, there are still plenty of opportunities in Ameriga, Africa and Asia, as well as in Western Europe.

1528
The King decide to increase the Spanish army and Fleet. A 5-year plan to recruit 50000/10000/50 and 20 new warships. Instead the Spanish Crown save money on colonisation by increasing our existing colonies into cities, as well as growing income by founding cities in 3 gold provinces in Ameriga.

1529
By the end of the year, Spain is in the lead with 889 VP, followed by Portugal 415 and Russia 307. Economy makes up 603 of Spain's VP's.

1530-32
No action in Europe, Spain concentrates on building a strong army and continuing the colonisation. A city is founded in the Philippines, as well as in Transkei and Ciskei.

1533
The peace is interrupted when The Spanish King decides to declare war on the Palatinate in April. Spain wins several battles against the Palatinate army in both Pfalz and Mainz, but leave them free to siege Alsace with 3500 soldiers. Mainz falls to our troops in November. Poland DoW's the Hansean League in May. The Polish forces quickly take Bandenburg and Eastern Pommerania. Hard fights follows.

1534
Pfalz falls on August 19. The Palatinate is annexed the day after. The expansion of Spain continues. The Poles are still fighting in the Hansean lands, but reaches a breakthrough during their summer offensive. In December a peace treaty is signed between Poland and the Hansean League. The Hansean hands over Brandenburg and Eastern Pommerania for peace. A really good deal for the Poles.

1535-36
The King decides to rebuild the army to the strength it had before the war with the Palatinate. Spain also expands the army in India to defend the Spanish provinces from Portugal and the Native kingdoms. In September 1536 Spain pass 1000 VP.

1537
The King decides to spend the revenues on improving relations with the major powers in Europe, England, Poland and Austria.

1538 January to June
Really calm until June 28th when the French ambassador makes a visit to the Spanish Court and hands over a declaration of war. Savoy, the Papal State, Poland and Scotland intervene on France's side. Spain calls in her allied Naples, not that it matters much though.

To be continued

 

[unmerged(3122)]

very good aar. keep it up, and you can annex naples, in fact you can walk there from sicily (you have good swimmers )

 

[unmerged(4504)]

Hi Splangy,
nice seeing people drop by!
I'm not sure why, but Naples has refused being annexed in this game (did it last time I played Spain though). I've tried 3 or 4 times, not even stategifts when already +200 made any difference. Naples will not be independent for much longer, but it's destiny is kind of odd I can assure you that.
Currently up to some difficulties playing, spent 3 hours yesterday, advancing 7 months into the game. I'll drop by the next years hopefully tonight (have to add some text and not just post facts). If you are out looking for war AARs, there will be enough and more quite soon...

 

[unmerged(2073)]

Naples is small enough. The safest way of annexing them is to place/build large forces on the border and/or in the country itself. It usually tips the balance.

 

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Hi Coeur de Lion,
I've never thought about it that way, I'll try it out next time, too late now... Any suggestions on how to win over Mysore and Hyderabad with a too small army? Seems to end up in trubles over there all the time.

 

[Xanadu]

Good reading Pontecorvo!

Wait until you see a stability drop in Naples before you offer annexation. This helps out your odds too. Your remark about toosmall armies is your problem. You can do a couple of things.

1) improve relations with one of the members of their alliance. Improve enough where when the other guy in that alliance DOW on you the other one will dishonor it. Then turn around and scoop him up quickly. That will help to reduce the # of troops heading your way.

2)Also if you can avoid direct battle do it. Swing in behind them and seige their provinces while they are doing the same to yours. At least this way you won't get wiped off the face of the Earth in one battle. Get a good Conquistidor over there. These guys rock when it comes to seiging.

 

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Hi Xanadu,
Thanks for the suggestion. The Conquistador suggestion I will definitly use! It's to late for suggestion 1 though, I've already been DoWed.
Corrently I've reached 1601 in my game and the 34 pages of notes (only facts) tells a story from which you can reach some conclutions: 1 get a strong alliance, 2 Be careful with annexations (military ones that is) and 3 (if playing Spain) Strike hard against France several times before 1550 to keep them small and poor.

Next post within a minute or so.

 

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The First French War

We fought a short war with France as allied to England 45 years earlier, but this is the first major war with France.

1538 July to December
The French send their armies to Artois and Lorraine, they lay siege to both cities. We send our army from Flandres (39800/0/67) to kick the 68000/0/0 French from Artois where, after a long battle with heavy losses for France, the French withdraw their troops and lift the siege. We were outnumbered by 60% and won, a great day for Spain indeed.

We switch to a war economy; no research budget and we also allow an increase of spendings by taking 2 loans. The Minister for trade is fired and the sending of merchants is now taken over by me personally.

Our forces in Franche-Comté arrive in Lorraine and attack the French. A long battle follows. The number of soldiers is almost equal, but after over a week of fighting the French gets the upper hand and when we start to loose our good sprit, reinforcements arrives from Mainz. Together, the two Spanish armies can lift the siege also of Lorraine.

19000 infantry march into Languedoc and lay siege to the city: No French troops are present in the south of France at this moment.

The forces in Artios follow the French to Ile de France, and beat them also on their homeground. We lay siege to Paris with the remaining 38000/0/61 soldiers. We lost 1800 soldiers and 6 cannons in the two battles with the French army. The French army starts to march south, is it the Spanish in Languedoc they are looking for?

On December 30th, Languedoc falls to our troops. Lets hope the next year starts as good as the last ended.

1539 January-May
Our beloved king Carlos I is elected Emperor of the Holy German Empire and I am the first to congratulate him. This event however interferes with the King's daily schedule, so the country is now often left in my hands. I of course feel very proud when the Emperor presents these plans to me and I insure him that he can trust my judgements.

The French war continues, and this year starts well. Ile de France and the French capital fall to Spanish troops on January 12. A small French army of recruits attacks the Spanish army in Ile de France, but they flee within days. The Spanish army now turns east to Champagne and lay siege to the city.

The army in Languedoc also turns east and lay siege to Provence. A small French army attacks them but the French have no chance against the Spanish. We are a little concerned though, there is a French army somewhere (the one we fought in Artois and Ile de France) and we do not know what they are up to.

1539 June-December
A small French army attacks our army siegeing Champagne, but are quickly thrown back into France. The walls are close to falling when the French army of 54152/0/0 turns up from nowhere and lay siege to Paris. Our forces in Champagne are ordered to attack the city. Champagne falls on July 21st and a peace treaty is signed the following day. The war ends in success as Champagne and Languedoc now are Spanish provinces, the locals are celebrating.

The rest of the year is really calm and a colony in Timor is founded. The economy is switched back to normal status and we concentrate on land military technology.

1540
In May Cologne becomes a part of Spain through diplomatic annexation. Again we prove that words sometimes are stronger than guns. The same month, Denmark and The Hansean League end their war. Holstein and Bremen handed over to Denmark in return for peace.

We start to rebuild our forces and a new fleet is formed to defend our interests in the Channel and the North Sea.

1541
Our Centre of Trade in Flandres faces harder times as a new CoT opened in Anglia. Currently we have Trade monopolies in Flandres and Andalucia, and we are working on establishing a monopoly also in Venice. Anglia though seems to be a small CoT, not more then $100 to fight over, so we let it be for the time being.

1542
The war between Venice and Turkey ends. Istria and Illyria are now part of Turkey. His Majesty is somewhat concerned with the growing Turkish influence in Eastern Europe. We however decide not to take any action for the time being.

1543
We found a Colony in Sierra Madre and starts to expand our influence on the East Coast of North Ameriga.

1544
A really boring year. We expand our army in the Netherlands with more cannons.


The Second French War

1545
In September France (Savoy, Papal State and Poland) DoW's Spain. We decide not to attack the French forces, we instead attack their cities. Our army in the Netherlands marches in to Calais and lay siege to the city. Our army in Lorraine (only infantry) marches in to Nivernais and lay siege to the city. Our army in (only infantry) Languedoc reaches Dauphiné and lay siege to the city. Our army in Catalonia moves to the French border in case an attack is coming.

The French attack our army in Nivernais in November. We win a close battle and continue to siege the city. The French troops again attacks in December. Our troops are again victorious, but only 9500 men continue the siege of Nivernais.

1546
In March, a French army lay siege to Lorraine. We have no troops to send, so we decide to leave it as it is.

In May, Calais falls to Spain. We immediately send our troops to Ile de France and lay siege to Paris on April 1.

In November Lorraine falls to the French. They redirect their siege army to Nivenais and attack our reinforced army there on December 8. The battle is even, but on Christmas eve God all mighty gives the Spanish troops some extra moral strength and we succeeds to throw the French back.

1547
On January 12 the Spanish troops for the second time parades down Champs-Élysees. Coincidentally, the first fall of Paris happened on the day 9 years earlier. The troops then March for Orleanais.

In March Picardie falls the Spanish army. This is followed a month later by the fall of Sardinia to the French.

In July Orleanais falls. We present a peace treaty where Picardie and Calais become Spanish. The French king refuses, but he will regret that.

In October, Nivernais falls. Another in the line of French cities controlled by Spain. A huge battle with 2 Spanish armies and a French then take place in Lorraine at the end of the month. Some 38000/7500/55 Spanish against 31000/11000/10 French. The battle continues forever it seems, but at the end of February, the French is beaten and we can lay siege on the French controlled province.

1548
In February we retake Lorraine. The peasants celebrate the Spanish return. Lyonnais also falls in February. We send a new peace suggestion where France hands over Lyonnais and Nivernais to Spain. They refuse.

In March, a Papal army lands on Sicily where our forces loose a battle. The Papal State lay siege to Sicily. We reinforce our troops in Messina and send 10000 infantry from Languedoc.

In June we again loose against the Papal army in Sicily. Bourgougne falls on the 17th.

In August when both Orleanais are about to fall to the French troops and Sicily to the Papal troops, France present us with a peace treatment ceding Calais and Lyonnais to Spain. We now have a corridor between Spain and the Netherlands. This event will be very helpful if another campaign against France will occure

To be Continued

 

[Xanadu]

Great Work Pontecorvo!!

keep it up.

 

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1550-1578
Years of economic expansion

1550
The French still have 80.000 troops in Provence, which causes some concerns among the Royal advicors. Peace between Sweden and Denmark. Sweden gets Jamtland. We start to rebuild our troops after all wars. A new 5 years plan for the military is presented. We again try to annex Naples but they refuse. We break the vassalage to show our disappointment.

1551
We commission 10 new warships to the Mediterranean Fleet and starts to build 2 strong armies in the Low Countries. We also build one army in the high countries (Lyonnais) and one in Northern Spain.

1552
We strengthen our military presence on the West Coast of North Ameriga, in South Africa and in India. 10 new war ships to the North Sea Fleet.

In February our ally Austria attacks Bavaria. We intervene, but not a shot is fired and a White peace is signed in October.

1553
Austria pays $192 for peace with Bavaria. Fortresses (lvl 1) are built in Cochin, Table, Roanoke and Sacramento to protect these valuable cities.

1554
Sweden hands over Österbotten, Karelia and Savolaks to Russia in return for Peace. Sweden has taken serious losses in this war. We are informed that they have very few troops left. To help them, we send a peronal gift to the king of Sweden, he will get some 7000 infantry for those money. Russia hands over Belgorod and $81 to Poland in return for peace.

1555
Russia annexes Sibir. Major changes in the east, but fortunately, we have no interests to protect in the region.

1556
In January a new CoT is founded in Jakarta. It is worth over $950. We send 6 merchants there during the year and reach Monopoly in October. It is possible that the Portuguese knows the province (they have a TP in neighbouring Sunda). By the end of the year, no other merchants have arrived.

War between Turkey (Tripolitania) and the Mamelucs (Iraq). The day after, war breaks out between Russia and Pskov.

1557
In July, Turkey signs a White Peace with the Mamelucs. In November Russia annexes Pskov.

1558
Jakarta is now expanded to a City. We immediately builds a fortress (lvl 1) around the city and raise a few troops in Jakarta.

1559
All provinces in the Netherlands revolts. We decide not to intervene in the revolts. We stop the revolts from spreading by placing troops in all neighbouring provinces.

1560
The riots in the Netherlands continue. We found a colony in Taiwan. The island has a really strategic place.

1561
Milan is now a Spanish vassal state. The King decides to make Spain the largest power in Italy before 1600. A goal we will reach. The king held a speech to the people of Castille where he said " we must dream the impossible dream, we must reach the unreachable star ". It is my duty to make sure that no sacrifice is too big in order to reach this goal.

1562
In January, Russia goes to war with the Teutonic Order (Hansean League). The explorers Oviedo and Barrameda dies. Oviedo discovered most of Northern America and Barrameda the areas south of The Aztecs. This is a hard blow to Spain since plan was to send Barrameda deeper in to South America and to send Oviedo to South East Asia.

In July we DoW Switzerland (they have no allies). We do not call in our allies.

In August we win a battle over the Swiss in Helvetia and with 43000 soldiers we lay siege to their capital. The Swiss army flees to Lyonnais and lay siege to the city. They possess 25000 infantry and cavalry, so they can do some harm to the city. Austria DoW Bohemia and we honour the alliance. Since we have no border to Bohemia, we decide not to intervene with military forces in the war, just as moral support.

In September we discover that Portugal has annexed Naples. When did that happen? The Italian adviser to the Royal Government is fired. In the good old days advisers were executed for such failures. The Spanish army led by Farnese kills 18000 of the 25000 Swiss soldiers in Lyonnais, loosing less than 5000 of its own. The Swiss flee back to Helvetia and demand $26 for peace. We did not find that offer tempting.

1563
In April Helvetia falls and Switzerland is now a part of Spain. In July Austria annexes Bohemia. Again we have peace in the nation. In August Charles IX new King in France.

1564
The COT in Jakarta now adds $553 to the Royal Treasury. Maximillian II of Austria is elected Emperor.

In February Poland (France, Savoy and the Papal State) declare war on Russia (Denmark). The width of the empire could now be seen by Screenshots (Europe, North Ameriga, Africa and Asia) plus Aisen in South Ameriga. In September England hands over The Marches to Scotland in return for peace. England is the weakest of the major powers in Europe.

In November our scientists discover Infrastructure (5).

1565
In August Persia (Georgia, Hafsids, Nubia) DoW Turkey (Tripolitania) In December, Poland hands over Tula, Polotsk and their treasury to Russia in return for peace.

1566
New CoT in Sierra Madre (Spain). Our merchants achieve a monopoly in December. We start to expand the colony (lvl 2) to a city.

In November Venice (Navarra) DoW Turkey (Tripolitania)

1567
In January we reach Land Tech (10). In October Georgia hands over the provinces of Georgia and Trabzon to Turkey.

1568
Sebastião I new king of Portugal and Johan III new king of Sweden. In October Turkey give Venice Istria, Illyria and Kosovo for peace.

1569
In January Persia ad Turkey signs a peace treaty where Kouban becomes a part of Persia.

1570
In May Quesade dies. The entire Spanish Nation mourns for months over the loss. Sierra Madre becomes a city in July.

1571
In November England (Portugal) DoW Scotland. In our sphere of interest it is very calm, even too calm is the general thought. Could it be the calm days before the storm? The King decides that we better be prepared. New troops are raised throughout the colonies and this action will continue for a few years.

1572
In January we tries to annex Milan, they refuse and break the vassalage. We decide not to attack them even though we now have a good cause. In April our Field Marshall Don Juan dies, the Hero of Switzerland, the leader of our strong siege army with 175 cannons and 38000 soldiers.

In June Algeria (Uzbekistan) DoW Morocco (Tripolitania, Turkey). In October Algeciras dies.

1573
The King thanks God All mighty when in January Don Juan returns from the dead and take charge of our army Artois. TheArmy in Artois is 37714/3000/0, in Calais 19000/2000/54, in Hainaut 15366/0/0, in Cologne 14945/0/0, in Pfalz 5898/0/0, in Champagne 15000/2000/0, in Lorraine 38501/2000/0, in Helvetia, 32012/6108/175, in Franche-Comté 0/9302/0, in Lyonnais 44908/5000/2, in Languedoc 47666/2000/7, in Rousillon 0/5830/0. The French now has only 52000 troops left in Provence and another 50.000 spread around the Spanish border.
In February we reach Naval Tech (10)

1574
In July Lancashire is handed over by the English to the Scots for peace. Scotland now has the upper hand over England.

1575
Vice Admiral Recalde is now in charge of the North Sea Fleet in based in Calais. This will be to our advantage when tougher times arrive.

1576
Rudolf II of Austria is elected Emperor. Another 10000 cavalry is raised in the lowlands. In may we reach Naval Tech (11).

1577
In January, the Trent meeting allows Contra Reformation. In June the Spanish Empire passed 2000 VP. No one knows what good this measure is, but his Majesty is thrilled with the improvement. In August France (Savoy, Poland and the Papal State) DoW Portugal (England). This is closely followed by the Spanish intelligence service, every enemy of France is a Friend of ours.

1578 January - October
In May Russia (Denmark, Hansean and Prussia) declare war on the Teutonic Order. Seems to be an easy match for the alliance.

In June we find out that we no longer have any allies. We therefore join Russia, Prussia, Denmark and Hansean. Not that it will help much in Western Europe, but who knows.

In September we reach Naval Tech (12). On October 30, the King decides that time has come for some action. We declare war on France, but all members of our alliance dishonour our cause. We will take care of them eventually.

To be continued

 

[unmerged(4504)]

A couple of strange things happened during the last yars. I installed IGC and suddenly when Turkey declared war, Granada interviened (it was Tripolitania). Another strange thing was when the French war ended, France had 80.000 troops in Provence, they never attacked me during the war, they just waited for something I suppose.

Feel free to comment, it's really good to get feedback and suggestions on strategies and other things.

 

[Xanadu]

That Naples thing had to suck. They sure were quick to accept Portugal as their leader. A whole 12 years after their vassalage ceased with you. Portugal had to really be sucking up to them.
As far as the French hanging around I feel it is not nessecary to comment on some of the actions of the AI. You already know.

Your war against the Swiss was good. I couldn't understand why you attacked their army 6 months before you annexed them. Hell you could have gained all those troops in the annexation. Even if they took your province I am sure you could have taken it back faster than they could have taken back theirs.

No biggie....good work. I like the flow of this AAR.

 

[The Danish King]

Naples and Sicily border each other, you can walk to each provinces over the Messina strait. You CAN annex it as Spain, they just dont want to all the time I guess. Happy huntin'!

 

[unmerged(4504)]

Yes, the Naples thing did really suck, I knew I could annex them (I did it in my first game as Spain) but they were not at all interested. When it comes to France, they are hanging around less and less as far as I can see, wounder what provinces to snatch from them next... Caux and some other provinces around paris are small but with a large population. Could be something for Spain

I was a little disturbed by the 25000 Swiss soldiers laying siege to Lyonnais, especially since the fortress started to loose strength. we got 7000 soldiers in the bargin, so i suppose it's quite OK anyway...

I'm into writing about the French war, hope to update it during the weekend. It will get more detailed (got over 10 hand written pages with facts from the war) than what I've posted so far.

Good weekend to you all and keep playin'

 

[unmerged(4504)]

The Third French War

1578 November - December
When the war begins, we send our siege army to Ile de France and lay siege to the city on November 14. Our army in Calais arrives in Picardie on the 28. On the 30 our 19/0/0 North Sea Fleet sink a small French fleet of 1/0/2 in the Channel.

In December our Mediterranean Fleet sinks a French ship in Gulf of Leon and steels their maps. On Dec 12 our 17919/1967/2 attack a 31827/3869/33 strong Savoy army in Savoy. The battle is even and continues for weeks. On the 13 France demand $39 for peace. We have a good laugh at the French ambassador who did not find the situation that amusing.

On Dec. 22, our Mediterranean Fleet of 18/0/4 wins a naval battle against 33 Savoy and French ships, mainly transports. The next day we lay siege to Provence and 50.000 Spanish troops attack the remaining 37.000 French in Dauphiné. The battle in Savoy continues, but our troops are now starting to suffer. We are happy that reinforcements are just days away.

1579 January - May
On January 11 we sink a French ship in St. George's Channel and on the same day the Mediterranean Fleet (18/0/4) attack A combined French-Savoy fleet of 29/0/8 in Gulf of Cagliari. On the 13 we finally win the battle in Savoy and lay siege to the city. The battle in Dauphiné is still very close, no one can predict a winner at this time.

On Jan. 20, a Polish army lay siege to the Papal city of Romagna currently controlled by Portugal. The Naval battle in Gulf of Cagliari is still a close call, but we win over the French-Savoy fleet on the 23. They lost 5 ships we lost only 3. On the 27 we lose a battle in Dauphiné to France after 34 days. The first set back of the war.

On February 6 we win a battle with France in Bourgougne in which they loose every soldier and only leave 3 cannons on the battlefield. The siege of Picardie is going well, fortress now down to -4. In Paris the fortress is still standing, only down to 1, but in Provence and Savoy there have been no progress so far. On the 26 we win a battle with France in Nivernais.

On March 1 we lose a battle to France in Lyonnais and the French lay siege to the city. We quickly send a troop from Alsace to Franche-Comté to join the fleeing army in their next attack. On the 11 we sink a Polish fleet (7/0/0) in Straits of Messina and steel their maps. On the 13 14000/0/0 French recruits attack our army of 0/5000/0 in Nivernais. We win after 15 days of fighting. On the 19 we sink the remaining Polish Mediterranean fleet of 6/0/0

1579 April -August
On April 4 we lay siege to Nivernais. The same day the French TP in Matagorda is taken under the treaty of Tordesillas. Tampico is taken later in the month. On the 8 we set fire to the French TP in Casamanche. The French possessions overseas will soon be just a memory.

On the 15 we attack a 17/0/0 Savoy fleet in Tyrrenean Sea with the Spanish Mediterranean Fleet (21/0/4). When the battle ends on the 23, Savoy has lost 11 ships and we only 3. On the 21 we burn the French TP in Gambia, we continue with Bangor on the 27 and Madras on the 28.

We catch up with the Savoy Fleet in the Ligurian Sea on May 10 and sink the remaining 6 ships within a week. The French Tp in Dakar is burned on the 21 and the TP in Micmac on the 23. Ile de France falls to Spanish troops on May 24. We now have our knife on the French throat.

On June 5 we win a battle over France in Nivernais. On July 11 we win a battle in Lyonnais and another battle in the same province on the 24. Picardie falls to Spain on the 29.

On August 5 we took control over Martinique (French TP) and we thank the Pope, even though we are at war with the Papal State) for signing the treaty of Toresillas. On the 12 we sink a Papal Fleet in Adriatic Sea. The Papal forces recapture Romagna for the Portuguese on the 15. The Papal state control Naples (Portuguese) and are sieging Apulia. The King is not very happy with the possibility of a united southern Italy.

The walls in Savoie are finally starting to break, now down to -4, the same in Nivernais. In Provence there are still no sign of a break through. In the Venezuelan Sea our 3/0/2 win a battla over a French squadron of 4/0/13 on August 21.

1579 September - December
On September 7 we win a battle in Dauphiné and lay siege to the city. On October 5, 5000/0/0 lay siege to Lyonnais and on the 7 Nivernais falls to the French. 10 days later Savoie fall to our troops and we move on to Nice. On the 27 the French kills a Spanish attacking army of 8000 soldiers in Lyonnais. We sink 2 French transports in Ivory Coast and 3 French warships in Strait of Dover on the 30.

On November 3 a Spanish army marches in to Orleanais and lay siege to the city. On December 14 we win a battle over Savoy in Nice.

1580
The notes accidentally disappeared.

1581
On February 16 Dauphiné falls to our troops. Still no major progress in the siege of Provence. On August 6 Modena (Genoa, Order of St. John) declare war on Spain. On the 28, 5 Polish ships are sunk in Straits of Messina. On October 15 Nice falls and Savoy is annexed on the 16. Finally a major victory for Spain in this long war.

1582
On Januay 18, 8 warships from Genoa are sunk in Western Mediterranean. On the 23 France get Inhambane from Portugal in return for peace. The Portuguese came cheap out of it, the Papal state occupied Naples and Apulia, but France only the colony Inhambane.

On February 24, 3 French ships are sunk in Windward Islands. On June 1 we decide to attack Provence after 3 and a half years. The city finally falls on the 18. Transkei is still occupied by France, but is recaptured on July 19. On October 1 Savoie riots. On the 4 we sign a peace treaty with France where Dauphiné, Provence and $140 are handed over to Spain. We can now focus on the Italian front.

1583
In February we land troops in Corsica and lay siege to the city. In June we sink a Genoese Fleet of 5/0/2 in the Ligurian Sea. France (Poland, Papal state) DoW England (Portugal, Teutonic order) on August 12. The French public did not accept the loss to Spain and demands victory over some nation atleast.

In November 10000 troops from Genoa lay siege to Sardinia. We lift the siege in December when we land a Spanish army on the island and continue until every single Genoan soldier lies dead on the beach. On the 21 we win a battle over Genoa in Modena and lay siege to the city.

1584
On March 23, 5000 Spanish soldiers win over 37000 Modenians in Genoa. In April 3500 Genoans land on Corsica. We kill them all before supper. We continue the siege of Corsica. In December Modena falls to our troops.

1585
In January Spain annexes Modena. In April Naval Tech (13) and Land Tech (11) are discovered by Spanish scientists. Thuringen DoW Spain on April5, interesting move. On April21, a troop from Order of St. John lay siege to Messina. In May we sink a fleet from Order of St John in Straits of Messina. We win a battle over Thuringen in Mainz on the 23. On June 12 we have killed all St. John soldiers in Messina and Sicily is again calm. Genoa falls on June 24.

In August the Teutonic order pay $145 to France for peace. On the 29 we sink a fleet from Order of St John in Straits of Messina. In October we lay siege to Thuringen after winning a battle whit their army. The 3000 remaining soldiers from Thuringen flee to Mainz. On December 2 Oman (Aden) declares war on Spain. This is not a war we had prepared for, both Quatar and Socotra are unfortified and the troops in the cities are very small, only 2000 men in both provinces.

1586 January - September
In January Corsica falls to our troops. Indeed a great way to begin a New Year. We annex Genoa in January 12. We present a plan to the king for the unification of Italy under Spanish rule. The king has some objections against fighting a war with the Holy Sea, but decides to support the plan in general. In February we sign a white peace with the Order of St John after sinking their entire fleet in 2 battles in the Eastern Mediterranean. We win a battle with Oman in Quatar and Thuringen moves their troops from Mainz to lay siege on Alsace.

In March we win a battle with Oman in Al Kharam and lay siege to the city. We still have not the possibility to raise troops in Quatar, a tax collector is commissioned. In June our indian Regiment of 5000/1000/0 in Al Kharam win over 38000 Omanis reducing them to only 9000. In August our troops in Arabia cannot hold their positions any longer and Quatar falls on the 12. In Europe, Thuringen falls to Spain on the next day and the country is annexed.

In September we suffer a riot in Corsica. We are DoWed by Hessen (Kleves) on the 8, by Hannover on the 10, by Saxony (Austria, Württemberg) on the 28, by Sweden (France, Poland, Scotland) on October 4 and by Mysore (Hyderabad) on the 9. What are they able to do?

To be continued

 

[Chengar Qordath]

You have been doing rather well so far, but now you have a nasty little coalition war on your hands. Best of luck.