The ChAARiots Shall Run Again; Fascism is the way of the world

[Cyrus Spitama]

The year of '42 proved to be a frustrating year for Il Duce. The war with the Soviets was still taking place with Germany seeing more and more of the Red Army lined up on the front. Stalin was taking great advantage of the long time taken to damage his armies. New recruits filled the ranks daily...

No major gains were made for months at a time in any theatre. In fact, Asia saw some bad news for Japan, the British, now based in India, put extreme pressure on Siam...

At least they didn't prove to be totally incompetent...

Once again, Il Duce held discussions with the German leaders to ask why Japan was not allowed in the Axis. These discussions usually lead to insults hurled at the "yellow-skinned devils". It seems in their pursuit for the perfect human, the Nazis won't consider anyone other than themselves capable enough to do anything worthwhile.

This thought bothered Il Duce until he remembered his dream. They are only allies for now... Soon enough, the might of Italy would be displayed to the world and the Nazis would be tossed aside as useless. Hopefully, the German people would embrace Fascism after seeing this madman run their affairs for so long.

In July, research and development reported the ability to build the new rocket test facilities. Industry was already pushed to its limits and this new facility would require massive resources.

Il Duce knew what had to be done. A meeting was held with the Austrian and Hungarian leaders, informing them that production would halt on industrial facilities in their homelands until the series of 3 rocket facilities were complete. This caused quite a stir, since one of the conditions for their joining was to continually upgrade their industrial capacity. Il Duce was not daunted by their protests, he knew this was the best choice, nay, the only choice. If they cannot see the wisdom of this decision then they are fools!

Also, for the first time since his idea was spawned, the propaganda machine was slowed down. All for the sake of future research...

Good news finally arrived from the Russian front. After many months, and tens of thousand of lives, the joint forces of Finland, Germany, and Italy captured Leningrad!

Once again though, this victory was bittersweet. This victory cost many lives and the spies report that Germany lacks many new recruits to fill the lost ranks. The front in the south was slowly crumbling and would inevitably fall. The situation was far from being stable...

A new plan must be devised and soon! The only good news to come from '42 was the arrival of the newly built carriers. This too proved a bittersweet bit of news as the Chief of the Navy predicted his early retirement. Cavagnari was a fine naval officer but he refused to adapt to the new way of naval warfare.

Benito prayed for some insight and a better year to come...

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

I apologize for not updating sooner. This AAR has led me some different directions that I did not quite expect and I have been testing some new strategies as Italy. Because of this, I end up taking a break on my Japan '44 scenario, in an attempt to kick the USN from my Pacific property

Here are some very quick status updates... Consider them leaked reports from Il Duce's desk I will make no comments on them, they are just shared information that Benito has on his desk in the form of annual reports.

 

[ColossusCrusher]

What mods are you using? Just curious. Did you also give yourself cores on Spain, since from what you said it seems so.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

What mods are you using? Just curious. Did you also give yourself cores on Spain, since from what you said it seems so.

Using CDCP (which is not a mod per se, it fixes many issues), and CCIP. Other than that, no mods. CCIP isn't necessary since I am playing as Italy but, I keep it on my main playing copy of HoI2

Thing is, when I release them ( and it will be sooner rather than later) all the industry I have built was there. About 90% of the new factories were placed in their home areas. When released of course, they will gain their full cores. I will be losing at least of third of my ICs

P.S. Only cores I added were the initial country areas for Hungary and Austria. That is, not ALL their cores. Only the provinces they start the game with. Plus, Novi Sad of course. It gave me a little more area to add single factory builds since Hungary starts so small

and Spain

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

BTW-This AAR is far from dead. I have just been a little busy with personal projects in RL and some projects with CCIP mod. Plus, I have been testing some strategies I goofed around with on this AAR. I played until early '44 tonight and shall have an update posted ASAP.

Thanks again for reading everyone!

 

[intruder alert]

Update!

Sweet!

 

[unmerged(62478)]

Dude nothing against you, but you cheat. Why not to add claims on whole Europe if you already did on quarter of it lol? And do you maybe have military control over Germany (Just asking)?

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

Dude nothing against you, but you cheat. Why not to add claims on whole Europe if you already did on quarter of it lol? And do you maybe have military control over Germany (Just asking)?

If making a few events for the purpose of testing a few things and while doing so, writing my first AAR equals cheating, then I would ask you to exit the thread

You are the weakest link... goodbye!

P.S. You exaggerate GREATLY when you consider Austria + Hungary 1/4 of Europe.

 

[unmerged(62478)]

Well its quite some extra IC, you have to admit that. And it would be cool if you would balance things, some AARs are even better if you lose.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

1943 would prove to be a very stressful year for Benito. No recent visits from his dream guide, multiple war fronts, Germany is fighting a losing battle with the Soviets, no new allies to speak of, and the troops are still in need of new equipment and updated tactical training to fight in modern war because the industrial base is still lacking. On top of that, Austrian and Hungarian leaders are beginning to grow impatient and possibly are not working as hard on the propaganda campaign as Il Duce would like. They have not expressed outright rebellion yet but, the possibility exists.

In addition to the above woes, the heavy force commitment to suppress partisans in England has proven to be troublesome. The troops stationed there could be put to great use in other theatres of the war, rather than sitting around drinking ales and impregnating the English women. No major attempt has been made to retake the British Isles and meanwhile, the British are continually producing troops in their Indian colonial region.

Not all news is bad though, the new carriers added to the navy have been gone through their shakedown cruises with great success. The sailors are as yet untested but, they seem ready and willing to take on the Allied naval forces. No partisan uprising have occurred in the empire so, the propaganda campaign seems to have paid great dividends. Also, the new rocket facilities were fairly close to completion, which should ease some of the grumbles heard in the staff meetings with the foreigners present. Thanks to the integration of Yugoslavia, Hungary, Greece, and Spain, research is proceeding at an adequate pace although, it is disappointing that Germany has so far been rather unwilling to share its research breakthroughs with Italy. Luckily, Romanian and Bulgarian allies have been sharing their blueprints with Italy that they have gained from Germany.

Situation room, Rome, Jan 15, 1943:

Benito: Gentlemen, I gathered you here today to inform you of a plan that has been set in motion to further our security. As you all may know, Portugal has remained neutral so far during this conflict. Our many spies have reported heavy pressure from the Allies for them to join their cause and we cannot allow this to happen. Also, based on the change in our naval strategies, we are now focusing more on carrier based warfare. Because of this, I have asked Admiral Cavagnari to step down as Chief of the Navy to be replaced by Allesandrino Ceresa. By his request, Admiral Cavagnari is currently leading a task force including transports for the capture of the Azores to coincide with the declaration of war on Portugal.

Luckily, there are a minimal number of beaches for Allied landings to protect in the Portugese mainland area so that after their lands are seized, we won't be losing a large number of forces to defensive duties.

Next, something must be done to reduce the enemy forces building up along our African border just south of Suez. To accomplish this, I want at least 15 divisions taken from the Soviet front to be sent to Athens. After Portugal has been seized, I want these troops to supplement our African Corps and to attack the enemy forces building up there.

Finally, I have fully reviewed our force strengths and those of our allies and I am slightly distressed with the numbers. We should begin siphoning troops towards the German front to prevent their total collapse. Germany protects our northern border and we cannot allow them to be taken!

Now, put forth your best efforts to ensure this new campaign begins without error and be glad we have one less front to be concerned with. Meeting adjourned!


War began a few days later with Portugal and as expected, they joined forces with the Alllies...

Cavagnari encountered a small group of cruises which weakened his fleet somewhat but did not stop him from obtaining his goal. The key port islands of the Azores were completely undefended allowing for a quick seizure.

Less than a month after the declaration, the Portugese mainland was wholly occupied and defended by Italy. The extra troops not needed for defense were then immediately sent to the Romanian border to prevent any Soviet advances there.

The African counter attack was prepared and boarded on the transports. All that was needed was the command to strike...

The attack was swift and seemed to take the combined Allied forces by surprise. Beachheads were taken with no effort and forces were given extra supplies and forced to move double time so they may encircle the enemy forces...

By May, it was clear the Allied forces were doomed and many surrendered to the Italian armies. Some forces had to be completely destroyed in their defense of their capitalistic ideals.

With nearly 40 divisions freed of immediate duty, a decision must be made as to where to deploy them. The situation at the Soviet front was surveyed and it did not look good.

It was decided to send half the available troops to the Soviet front and the other half to the border with Turkey. Turkey, like Portugal, had remained neutral during this war. Their leader was irritable and did not like receiving embassies from any of the war participants. For that matter, he did not seem to like any visitors whatsoever!

The problem was that Turkey had its borders along the Soviet front. The best spies reported these lands totally clear of Soviet troops. Meanwhile, a little further north, the Soviets were fielding nearly 20 divisions per province in their attempt to squash the Germans and their allies.

One calm May morning, the decision was suddenly clear what to do about Turkey. Their time was now to rejoin the New Roman Empire. Their lands would have to be seized by force but, this could not be helped. Troops were aligned for invasion and a simple message was sent. The decision was slightly worrisome because it added a new front but, it was hoped this would relieve the pressure on the Germans.

Unexpectedly, they immediately joined with the Allies. No matter, they did not share any borders with them and would not receive any reinforcements.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

Well its quite some extra IC, you have to admit that. And it would be cool if you would balance things, some AARs are even better if you lose.

It is a total of 42 extra ICs(base) and not enough resources to supply them. Remember my game settings are on hard so I receive less ICs AND resources.

Also keep in mind, even with the extra ICs I have I am constantly keeping 10 extra ICs on consumer goods and always building two factories in those lands. So, the gain I am seeing from those areas is primarily in manpower, not in industrial strength. However, the tech teams are quite nice

What would you consider balanced? Playing the game with only my teeth touching the keyboard and no mouse? ( Ok, sorry I am just being silly)

I already have rules for no CAS, no cheat codes, no research before its correct time, and some others. Plus, I have done some things which are not tactically sound but Il Duce feels happy doing them. Seriously, I typically would have already added Japan to the Axis in '41 but for purposes of this story, Hitler is an egotistical maniac that would not make a deal with the yellowskins unless he was about to be eradicated(maybe not even then!). Occasional bumps to assist the AI is not a cheat my friend. It does need little nudges here and there and I do my best to ensure they are not done for MY benefit but for the AI. BTW- Adding Japan in '41 makes sure they do Pearl Harbor most of the time, ensuring that the USA gets rolling and involved, causing me more pressure.

As a final reminder, I have not won this war. Far from it!! Right now, the German losses are staggering, the Soviets outnumber me by at least 3 to 1, not counting the UK, USA, and their allies! Nothing I have done is cheating as you called it. I am simply messing around with a few ideas and writing an AAR while I do it.

I often enough suffer losses while playing. Do not accuse me of winning at all costs when you honestly don't know a dang thing about me and how I play other than what you have seen here. Your opinions of me from this story, because that what it is, will be skewed since I am writing a tale right now, not playing a game. I do hope to adopt some ideas from some of my silly things done here for my regular game play though

Now please, sit back and enjoy the read and if you are not, please don't come back. If you feel like saying something negative, yell it aloud in your room but don't post it here !

P.S. I don't have MC of Germany or I assure you they would have done better against the Soviets!

 

[The Balbinater]

cyrus:

good job taking out portugal. personally, i'm surprised as important as the holdings of portugal were worldwide that they managed to not get themselves squashed either from one side or the other.

turkey is doomed!

italy will save the german reich! after turkey falls take out the caucasus..

bal

 

[arch3223]

Good show.

I always enjoy a good Italian AAR. Plus this one had Monty Python

 

[Enewald]

Oooh, a brilliant aar here!

 

[unmerged(62478)]

I actually don't read that s true (Well but I did read when I saw you have claims on Austria and Hungary). And I think I know why the Soviets are beating the crap out of Germany. With you taking Czechoslovakia and Austria, you messed up the Anschluss and German annexation event of Czechoslovakia. With this Germany had much less IC and manpower. It seems you dug your own hole lol. So I think again, it cannot be considered cheating, if you give yourself claims on the lands, Germany would have on them anyway.

What I consider balanced is, if you don't make any changes to the game, because paradox interactive has already set the game to be balanced.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

The Balbinater- That is my usual plan and I probably won't deviate from that unless Il Duce gets another wild thought (i.e. I try to experiment).


arch3223- Welcome to the AAR! No Python pics lately but I have not felt they were needed recently


Enewald- Thanks! and welcome to the show!


Delex-

What I consider balanced is, if you don't make any changes to the game, because paradox interactive has already set the game to be balanced.

This is only true if you follow history perfectly but, even then it means Germany must fall and the Allies must win. If we already know the exact outcome though, why are we playing?
Also, considering that Germany, USA, SOV, and even the UK can do an IC whore strategy and rule the world handily, is that balanced?

Time for an update!!

 

[unmerged(62478)]

Well there is that you are wrong, because Germany had better chances wining especially with a human Italy on its side. Germany can win, Ive seen it. The problems is that playing Ahistorically damaged your adds of wining as gained more.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

Opening the new front in Turkey was a worry for Benito since very few war plans had gone as hoped so far. Yes, there had been some successes but there was still not a single decisive victory claimed on any front. At least Japan was becoming a growing threat to the Soviets and the Turkey front risk was minimal. The best part, or was it the worst part, was that a new front would be opened to make a decisive blow against the British Empire in India. Indeed, part of the decision was based on the news from Asia just before the declaration was made...

Along with the news from Asia, Il Duce began to pressure Hitler and his advisers into a reconsideration of Japan as an ally. With Germany severely weakened, they certainly seemed far more agreeable to the idea than in previous discussions. Il Duce felt confident based on his discussions with the Japanese, they too would welcome an alliance. Heavy pressure was exerted on both parties until a resolution was made. Germany would make a decision by the end of June and Japan would continue to send ambassadors to the previously closed doors of the Germans.

By early July, the Soviet front was still unstable but, more and more Italian troops were forming a strong defensive line at the Balkan border. Along with the reorganization of Romanian and Bulgarian troops, Benito was confident that border was fairly secure. This freed a few more troops for the quick push into Russian lands via Turkey...

In late July, great news came from the Asian theatre...

Along with their recent success, a deal was concluded between Germany and Japan. The Soviets would face another new front...

No longer would Stalin pour the might of his army into one front or he too would face the possibility of being overrun. However, Stalin knew time would be on his side and Japan plus the new Turkey front would take time to develop. German territories continued to take heavy losses and Berlin itself was under an immediate threat...

More and more Italian troops were moved to reinforce the front further north and finally a stalemate was reached in late October. No longer were the Russians advancing without strong opposition. Turkey had been annexed and troops were flowing into the oil rich provinces of the USSR.

Winter was beginning to set in and the troops were struggling against the large numbers of Soviets dug in at their German posts. Now was the time for the elite mountaineer corps to prove their worth in battle. They were assembled into a single formation, with support from regular infantry, light armor, and motorized units for a push in winter against the Soviets along the original Soviet/German border.

A little further south, troop transports made landing near Odessa into undefended areas and began to capture areas behind the front lines. Near the Turkey borders, slow and steady progress was made into the Soviet interior. Stalin now was playing a less offensive war and had to reorganize for defense.

Il Duce was pleased with recent progress but again, he strongly desired a decisive blow to one of his opponents in this war. Hopefully this winter would see more progress and some good news would come in the spring...

 

[Enewald]

Wait, in a few months from Ladoga to Berlin?

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

Wait, in a few months from Ladoga to Berlin?

Yes, I was shocked to see the Germans giving way so easily. When I had to load as them to invite Japan, I figured out why... They had 7 manpower and 53 infantry left :/ I didn't pay close attention to the Baltic fights but, I assume there was a rather large encirclement there. Luckily, they still have a fair number of armor left with ranks of infantry being built with the manpower paid for already.

Good timing on the decision to invite Japan I would say!