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Enewald- Actually I am undecided what will occur with the CCCP lands with the exception of Trans-Ural. I do know it will NOT go to the Germans as they too will be annexed eventually. The bulk of Poland will be in Hungarian hands... see page 1 of this AAR for the reason why. Chances are, since Il Duce's main goal is rebuilding the Roman Empire, I will make several more large puppets that bow to his whim. This is NOT a world conquest AAR. This is a globe spanning empire AAR. The difference being puppets are possible and foreign nations are possible. The key is that they are peaceful(towards Italy) and Fascist.
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Stayed up very late last night (this morning?) and played for an additional year. Once I have sorted some minor story bits I will post the updates. In the meantime, I thought I might mention my plans for a new AAR as soon as this one is concluded.
Watching Remble's Japan Gotterdamerung AAR really excited me. My record for that one is lasting till '47 on Hard/Agg settings playing Japan. Even with my repeated spankings in that scenario, it is still my favorite. I think I should take another serious stab at it, win or lose, and make an AAR. The only thing lacking at the moment is the concept for the AAR. Battle reports, narrative, humor, a combination of all of the above?
Watching Remble's Japan Gotterdamerung AAR really excited me. My record for that one is lasting till '47 on Hard/Agg settings playing Japan. Even with my repeated spankings in that scenario, it is still my favorite. I think I should take another serious stab at it, win or lose, and make an AAR. The only thing lacking at the moment is the concept for the AAR. Battle reports, narrative, humor, a combination of all of the above?
It's update time !
The winter of '44 would prove to be an interesting one. By early summer, Benito would feel a great pressure lifted from his chest...
Benito's stateroom, October '44:
Several suggestions had been made in the past for Il Duce to give independence to the minor nations of Malta and Cyprus. These island nations caused no threat and in fact, could become excellent training grounds for elite troops as well as a source of additional militia garrisons. Following one last debate with his staff, the plan was pushed forward. Malta and Cyprus would supply militia for the empire in exchange for their freedom to manage their daily activities. Also, training grounds were opened for mountain corps to complete their elite training before serving their duty.
With the independence of these minor nations, once again the Hungarian and Austrian leaders pressured Il Duce for their own independence. It seems that while happy living under the umbrella and protection of Italy, their constant requests for independence betrayed some other thoughts not shared with Il Duce. Would they finally declare their own freedom without his approval? Such a thing would be a heavy blow to the morale of the growing empire. The Minister of Security was ordered to prepare a propaganda campaign should such a thing occur. In the meantime, the dignitaries were given more tasks to keep them occupied.
Reviewing the battle reports from the front line, it seems while the Soviets have been corralled, they continue to train more troops and make continuous border attacks, only to withdraw almost immediately after being pounded by Italian bombers. No real changes occurred on the front lines due to these minor skirmishes. However, it was proving to be a steady drain on manpower resources for the empire. To better reinforce the lines, Bulgaria and Romania were paid large amounts of supplies to transfer their troops to the Italian Empire. This was a further drain on empire resources but much faster than having to train them anew. As a side effect, both of those countries were relieved from defensive duties immediately behind the front lines.
In mid January '45, American troops began to batter the captured Azores...
Initially, the Americans were defeated easily but, they kept a steady stream of attacks beating on the defenders and by late February, the Azores were lost.
At the end of January, all of his ministers agreed it was time the Arabian peninsula was secured. The attacks began in Iraq, even though they were a Fascist government. All agreed their goals did not mesh well with Italy's.
While opening a new front greatly concerned Il Duce, the Chief of the Army assured him it would require a minimum of troops and should only take a short amount of time. He would assign 12 divisions to the conflict, along with the two, as of yet, unused paratrooper divisions for these operations. His analysis would prove correct. In March, the Iraqi government would surrender.
Almost immediately after the Iraq war began, his office received a wave of documents from his Armaments Minister...
The new naval training techniques and equipment were rapidly put to good use. The Chief of the Navy was ordered to expand his base of operations to cover from the Italian Isles to the Coast of Africa and to slowly expand patrol routes from the Red Sea into the Indian Ocean.
Just in time it seems... The Americans used their newly gained base in the Azores to launch minor attacks on the Italian Isles. None of these attacks were successful and they saw quite a few losses of transports and screening ships. Even Germany grew bolder during this period and their minor navy assisted in keeping the seas clear near the Isles. Ireland remained the lone standout in the area and many attempts were made to coup that nation but as of yet, no results had been obtained. Soon they would feel the might of Italy and those lands would claimed but, not just yet. More vital concerns lay elsewhere.
In early April as the spring rains hit, the Soviets launched even more frequent border attacks which seriously damaged the manpower reserves. All effort was made to reinforce the borders, including recalling the Bulgarian and Romanian reserves. The lines must hold! In an effort to weaken their morale, as soon as troops were not seriously tied down elsewhere, an assault was made on Moscow. It seems in their efforts to harass the border, 10s of thousands of Moscow's defenders were caught unawares and away from the fortress city...
Further east, the Soviets began to see some minor victories as they began a desperate push to break the lines. Despite calling up all reserves, there was little Italy could do to stop the massive numbers of troops attacking the front...
Or so it seemed... Right after the Soviets retook several border provinces, the news of the fall of Moscow spread like wildfire. Stalin took immediate action...
A rush of diplomats were sent to the Axis forces and terms were quickly rendered. If only Stalin realized how close to breaking Italy they were, things would be a lot different now.
Note: there were 6 provinces either taken by partisans or I was literally a few hours away from retaking which were given to the Germans. I transferred them to me via acceptall/open negotiations.
An immediate staff meeting was called to review the empire's status and new plans.
*Another update to be posted later today*
The winter of '44 would prove to be an interesting one. By early summer, Benito would feel a great pressure lifted from his chest...
Benito's stateroom, October '44:
Several suggestions had been made in the past for Il Duce to give independence to the minor nations of Malta and Cyprus. These island nations caused no threat and in fact, could become excellent training grounds for elite troops as well as a source of additional militia garrisons. Following one last debate with his staff, the plan was pushed forward. Malta and Cyprus would supply militia for the empire in exchange for their freedom to manage their daily activities. Also, training grounds were opened for mountain corps to complete their elite training before serving their duty.
With the independence of these minor nations, once again the Hungarian and Austrian leaders pressured Il Duce for their own independence. It seems that while happy living under the umbrella and protection of Italy, their constant requests for independence betrayed some other thoughts not shared with Il Duce. Would they finally declare their own freedom without his approval? Such a thing would be a heavy blow to the morale of the growing empire. The Minister of Security was ordered to prepare a propaganda campaign should such a thing occur. In the meantime, the dignitaries were given more tasks to keep them occupied.
Reviewing the battle reports from the front line, it seems while the Soviets have been corralled, they continue to train more troops and make continuous border attacks, only to withdraw almost immediately after being pounded by Italian bombers. No real changes occurred on the front lines due to these minor skirmishes. However, it was proving to be a steady drain on manpower resources for the empire. To better reinforce the lines, Bulgaria and Romania were paid large amounts of supplies to transfer their troops to the Italian Empire. This was a further drain on empire resources but much faster than having to train them anew. As a side effect, both of those countries were relieved from defensive duties immediately behind the front lines.
In mid January '45, American troops began to batter the captured Azores...
Initially, the Americans were defeated easily but, they kept a steady stream of attacks beating on the defenders and by late February, the Azores were lost.
At the end of January, all of his ministers agreed it was time the Arabian peninsula was secured. The attacks began in Iraq, even though they were a Fascist government. All agreed their goals did not mesh well with Italy's.
While opening a new front greatly concerned Il Duce, the Chief of the Army assured him it would require a minimum of troops and should only take a short amount of time. He would assign 12 divisions to the conflict, along with the two, as of yet, unused paratrooper divisions for these operations. His analysis would prove correct. In March, the Iraqi government would surrender.
Almost immediately after the Iraq war began, his office received a wave of documents from his Armaments Minister...
The new naval training techniques and equipment were rapidly put to good use. The Chief of the Navy was ordered to expand his base of operations to cover from the Italian Isles to the Coast of Africa and to slowly expand patrol routes from the Red Sea into the Indian Ocean.
Just in time it seems... The Americans used their newly gained base in the Azores to launch minor attacks on the Italian Isles. None of these attacks were successful and they saw quite a few losses of transports and screening ships. Even Germany grew bolder during this period and their minor navy assisted in keeping the seas clear near the Isles. Ireland remained the lone standout in the area and many attempts were made to coup that nation but as of yet, no results had been obtained. Soon they would feel the might of Italy and those lands would claimed but, not just yet. More vital concerns lay elsewhere.
In early April as the spring rains hit, the Soviets launched even more frequent border attacks which seriously damaged the manpower reserves. All effort was made to reinforce the borders, including recalling the Bulgarian and Romanian reserves. The lines must hold! In an effort to weaken their morale, as soon as troops were not seriously tied down elsewhere, an assault was made on Moscow. It seems in their efforts to harass the border, 10s of thousands of Moscow's defenders were caught unawares and away from the fortress city...
Further east, the Soviets began to see some minor victories as they began a desperate push to break the lines. Despite calling up all reserves, there was little Italy could do to stop the massive numbers of troops attacking the front...
Or so it seemed... Right after the Soviets retook several border provinces, the news of the fall of Moscow spread like wildfire. Stalin took immediate action...
A rush of diplomats were sent to the Axis forces and terms were quickly rendered. If only Stalin realized how close to breaking Italy they were, things would be a lot different now.
Note: there were 6 provinces either taken by partisans or I was literally a few hours away from retaking which were given to the Germans. I transferred them to me via acceptall/open negotiations.
An immediate staff meeting was called to review the empire's status and new plans.
*Another update to be posted later today*
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Could you smooth the borders in Russia out a little? Sorry, but the eyeburn is intense. 
Could you smooth the borders in Russia out a little? Sorry, but the eyeburn is intense.
I agree! And you saved Hitler's ass afterall, so more smoother borders are justified!
Very nice AAR. I started reading this because of Remble's comment, and thank you Remble for pointing this one to me.
The story line is very good and the general idea is very entertaining to me. I'll suscribe and I wonder where this AAR will take Italy.
The Bitter Peace event could be very welcome, especially to Benito because now he can focus on the more important issue's, as kicking the brittish out of India. After which he can kill germany and finally release austria and hungary.
Then only USA remains, and well Italy can take usa on with allies.
Ow didn't the original Roman Empire include the southern half of brittain and France, Belgium and half of Holland?
my 2cents Krogzar
The story line is very good and the general idea is very entertaining to me. I'll suscribe and I wonder where this AAR will take Italy.
The Bitter Peace event could be very welcome, especially to Benito because now he can focus on the more important issue's, as kicking the brittish out of India. After which he can kill germany and finally release austria and hungary.
Then only USA remains, and well Italy can take usa on with allies.
Ow didn't the original Roman Empire include the southern half of brittain and France, Belgium and half of Holland?
my 2cents Krogzar
ColossusCrusher- In due time
Teep- welcome aboard ! Salut !
Von Perkele-
In defense of GER, they did ensure my pocketing of the SOV army was successful. They had their entire remaining armored units, planes, and bulk of their infantry in or near Berlin. This enabled me to push quickly north along the MRP border with my MTN and close the gap on a huge portion of the SOVs killing force. Their airforce was deadly to almost every SOV army I attacked. It was so well orchestrated you would almost think that I was playing a multi-player game and GER was human.
Krogzar- I too wonder exactly where this will take me as I am truly trying to think as Mussolini might and not as a long-time HoI2 player. Obviously, this creates conflicts so I must choose the most sensible option which typically relies on my HoI2 experiences.
I plan on having a limited number of allies and yes.. I should be able to handle them. My concern is this: I am sinking so many of their transports that is makes me wonder how many troops they will have piled on their continent because they cannot ship them overseas.
As for empire size, I am using the wiki picture as a gauge of where my empirical borders should be. It is likely it is not entirely correct but it is only a gauge. I will have to make some concessions to Hungary and Austria because of my story line though. wiki link
Time for that update I promised a couple of nights ago. I found myself busy with other endeavors and never got the chance to publish it.
Teep- welcome aboard ! Salut !
Von Perkele-
In defense of GER, they did ensure my pocketing of the SOV army was successful. They had their entire remaining armored units, planes, and bulk of their infantry in or near Berlin. This enabled me to push quickly north along the MRP border with my MTN and close the gap on a huge portion of the SOVs killing force. Their airforce was deadly to almost every SOV army I attacked. It was so well orchestrated you would almost think that I was playing a multi-player game and GER was human.
Krogzar-
Thanks for the compliments
I too wonder exactly where this will take me as I am truly trying to think as Mussolini might and not as a long-time HoI2 player. Obviously, this creates conflicts so I must choose the most sensible option which typically relies on my HoI2 experiences.My thoughts exactly. The Bitter Peace was somewhat unexpected but welcome nonetheless. My TC is finally in the green
I plan on having a limited number of allies and yes.. I should be able to handle them. My concern is this: I am sinking so many of their transports that is makes me wonder how many troops they will have piled on their continent because they cannot ship them overseas.
As for empire size, I am using the wiki picture as a gauge of where my empirical borders should be. It is likely it is not entirely correct but it is only a gauge. I will have to make some concessions to Hungary and Austria because of my story line though. wiki link
Time for that update I promised a couple of nights ago. I found myself busy with other endeavors and never got the chance to publish it.
Benito's stateroom:
The staff meeting went exceedingly well except for a few details.
The Hungarian and Austrian leaders made an even stronger case for their independence now, rather than later. This idea was rapidly dismissed by his entire staff but Benito knew something must be done soon or risk internal strife. Plans were set in motion to begin extra troop training to replace the divisions that would return to these two nations upon their independence. Since extra industrial capacity did not exist to support this, diplomats were sent to Bulgaria and Romania to purchase the extra arms needed for these new troops. All told, 8 infantry divisions and 5 mountain divisions worth of equipment was purchased from Bulgaria and 6 infantry divisions worth of equipment was purchased from Romania. More would likely be purchased in the near future but for now, this was more than adequate and would prove a strain on Italy's manpower.
Note: Due to my high belligerence it took about 15k worth of resources to purchase each unit... ouch Mind you, I have plenty of spare resources at this point
The other troubling detail that came from the meeting was the list of available troops and the concern that the Italian front was just too large to be adequately defended. While this concern was serious, the most pressing issue was how to provide a knockout blow to the Allies if Italy only played a defensive role? Benito decided against better advice and laid plans for a summer offensive on several fronts.
First, the troops must be given a short time to rest and redeploy. Extra efforts were made with intel and would provide a pleasant surprise.
Despite what seemed an impossible task, the spies in Australia did a spectacular job.
While waiting for the troops to reorganize along the new offensive fronts, the Chief of Navy and Armaments delivered some great news.
Resources were immediately diverted towards updating the troops with the new weaponry and with the new carriers and battleships, the Italian navy grew even more bold in its patrols.
July 10 was selected as the day to begin the unification of the Arabian peninsula.
The very next morning, the assault began in India.
The Saudis surrendered by early August and the two tiny puppet nations of Oman and Yemen's days were numbered
Late September, a new Chief of the Navy was appointed. One who would better understand carriers tactics that were crucial to the defeat of the Americans.
Early October saw the surrender of the two small Arab nations and only two small strongholds of British territory remained in Arabia.
A quick peek at my current belligerence was included
Many of the Arabian divisions were diverted to Africa and the assault there began in early December.
While the troops in Africa just started the campaign for that continental conquest, the troops in India were making very quick progress. Partly thanks to pressure to the north and east by Japanese troops.
While capturing the harbor of Kolhapur, a large Allied fleet was spotted. Italian carriers immediately engaged.
This naval battle would prove to be a devastating blow for the Allies.
In early March, the last remnants of Allied resistance was being crushed in southern India.
By May, only Burma and some bordering provinces plus Bhutan and Nepal remained in eastern India. The British and their allies were rapidly losing morale and the ability to properly supply their troops.
Early May also saw an interesting development. Mikhail Kalinin retired from the Soviet government. While not a great concern for Benito, it did make him wonder how the new leaders would respond to Italian aggressions.
A summer cabinet meeting would be called to discuss future plans and review recent developments. Benito felt very pleased with his people and looked forward to the Forum reopening next summer. If only things could continue on their current course until that time and afterwards, he knew his efforts and vision were for the best of the world and the Italian visionaries behind it. He wondered why his dream vision had not been to visit him in a very long time and then dismissed that concern rapidly. Perhaps things were going so well, the dream visage did not feel the need to bother him. yes, that must be it.
As the summer sunset passed across Rome, Benito saw the busy people below his window acting as if they were unconcerned with the world around them. And why shouldn't they? Italy was richer than ever before and its people were well fed and cared for. Birth rates were exploding in many locations and thanks to the front lines holding, no battle sounds had been heard for a long time. Yes, Roma was happy and thriving.
The staff meeting went exceedingly well except for a few details.
The Hungarian and Austrian leaders made an even stronger case for their independence now, rather than later. This idea was rapidly dismissed by his entire staff but Benito knew something must be done soon or risk internal strife. Plans were set in motion to begin extra troop training to replace the divisions that would return to these two nations upon their independence. Since extra industrial capacity did not exist to support this, diplomats were sent to Bulgaria and Romania to purchase the extra arms needed for these new troops. All told, 8 infantry divisions and 5 mountain divisions worth of equipment was purchased from Bulgaria and 6 infantry divisions worth of equipment was purchased from Romania. More would likely be purchased in the near future but for now, this was more than adequate and would prove a strain on Italy's manpower.
Note: Due to my high belligerence it took about 15k worth of resources to purchase each unit... ouch Mind you, I have plenty of spare resources at this point
The other troubling detail that came from the meeting was the list of available troops and the concern that the Italian front was just too large to be adequately defended. While this concern was serious, the most pressing issue was how to provide a knockout blow to the Allies if Italy only played a defensive role? Benito decided against better advice and laid plans for a summer offensive on several fronts.
First, the troops must be given a short time to rest and redeploy. Extra efforts were made with intel and would provide a pleasant surprise.
Despite what seemed an impossible task, the spies in Australia did a spectacular job.
While waiting for the troops to reorganize along the new offensive fronts, the Chief of Navy and Armaments delivered some great news.
Resources were immediately diverted towards updating the troops with the new weaponry and with the new carriers and battleships, the Italian navy grew even more bold in its patrols.
July 10 was selected as the day to begin the unification of the Arabian peninsula.
The very next morning, the assault began in India.
The Saudis surrendered by early August and the two tiny puppet nations of Oman and Yemen's days were numbered
Late September, a new Chief of the Navy was appointed. One who would better understand carriers tactics that were crucial to the defeat of the Americans.
Early October saw the surrender of the two small Arab nations and only two small strongholds of British territory remained in Arabia.
A quick peek at my current belligerence was included
Many of the Arabian divisions were diverted to Africa and the assault there began in early December.
While the troops in Africa just started the campaign for that continental conquest, the troops in India were making very quick progress. Partly thanks to pressure to the north and east by Japanese troops.
While capturing the harbor of Kolhapur, a large Allied fleet was spotted. Italian carriers immediately engaged.
This naval battle would prove to be a devastating blow for the Allies.
In early March, the last remnants of Allied resistance was being crushed in southern India.
By May, only Burma and some bordering provinces plus Bhutan and Nepal remained in eastern India. The British and their allies were rapidly losing morale and the ability to properly supply their troops.
Early May also saw an interesting development. Mikhail Kalinin retired from the Soviet government. While not a great concern for Benito, it did make him wonder how the new leaders would respond to Italian aggressions.
A summer cabinet meeting would be called to discuss future plans and review recent developments. Benito felt very pleased with his people and looked forward to the Forum reopening next summer. If only things could continue on their current course until that time and afterwards, he knew his efforts and vision were for the best of the world and the Italian visionaries behind it. He wondered why his dream vision had not been to visit him in a very long time and then dismissed that concern rapidly. Perhaps things were going so well, the dream visage did not feel the need to bother him. yes, that must be it.
As the summer sunset passed across Rome, Benito saw the busy people below his window acting as if they were unconcerned with the world around them. And why shouldn't they? Italy was richer than ever before and its people were well fed and cared for. Birth rates were exploding in many locations and thanks to the front lines holding, no battle sounds had been heard for a long time. Yes, Roma was happy and thriving.
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I am putting this AAR on temporary hold while I relocate back to the New Orleans area from Tampa, FL area. Life has been brutal for me here and the job market is horrible. This move isn't an ideal situation, but if I stay here much longer I will be living on the streets. I am in the middle of packing now and if able, I will post the next update. I'll be leaving for N.O. in the a.m.
So, see y'all when I get to New Orleans and settle in some.
Salut!
So, see y'all when I get to New Orleans and settle in some.
Salut!