Forgive a humble Moldavian and its country! Leave them be! Prey on the rotten bodies of other great empires!
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Hmmm. This was a hard nut to crack ...
No, I think we`ll let the Moldovians live for some years yet ... But if they declare war against us ... Poor bastards ...
No, I think we`ll let the Moldovians live for some years yet ... But if they declare war against us ...
Poor bastards ...
Pre-Game Report – The Grand Diplomatic Campaign (1418)
In 1418 Vytautas the Great started a grand diplomatic campaign directed to the mightiest countries in Europe and the Arab world (read: human player countries). The first step was taken February 4, when he invited Austria, Castile, England, France, the Mameluks, Ottoman Empire, Scandinavia, Timruid Empire and Venice to enter a non-aggression pact called ”The non-aggression Treaty of Grand Duke Vytautas”.
December 30, delegates from all the mentioned countries - except France, who as only nation refused the Grand Dukes kind offer – signed the treaty at a grand and posh international conference – also including high-standing representatives from Poland, Bohemia, Luxemburg, Papal States, Pskov, Muscowy, France, Teutonic Order and Georgia – held in Bishop Albert`s Castle in Riga. The Bishop of Riga and King Jogaila of Poland witnessed the signing.
Primarily the Treaty should prevent any military confrontation between the treaty countries and the GDL. However, some countries negotiated their own deals, including different clauses. The official treaty document, signed by the treaty countries and the witnesses, looked like this; (shortened version):
Official treaty document:
Grand Duke Vytautas the Great of Lithuania is happy that he finally can publicize the official document of his treaty.
He is also very satisfied to have signed it, stating its importance to prevent destructive wars against strong and mighty nations. He is proud to see that all countries receiving his proposal – except France - have ratified the agreement, stating their respect and friendship to the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Vytautas the Great is looking forward to instructive cooperation with the non-aggression Treaty countries in the 80-years period, and hope that his successors will continue his work for peace in Europe.
Representatives from Austria, Castile, England, Lithuania, Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Venice, The Mameluks, Timruid Empire and Scandinavia signed the treaty in Riga, December 30, 1418. The Archbishop of Riga and King Jogaila of Poland have witnessed the signing.
§ 1
Austria has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuanian. Austria cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 2
Castile has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuanian. Castile cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 3
England has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. England cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 4
Ottoman Empire has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Ottoman Empire cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 5
Portugal has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Portugal cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 6
a. Scandinavia has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 1st of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Scandinavia cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
b. Lithuania has committed herself not to declare Scandinavia war, or conquer any of her provinces until 1st of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against Scandinavia, but then not attend in active military warfare against her. Lithuania cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 7
Venice has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Venice can only infringe the Treaty if Lithuania conquers both the "northern trading centres" (Novgorod and Kurland).
§ 8
a. The Mameluks has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. The Mameluks can only infringe the treaty if Lithuania conquers any Shiite provinces.
b. Lithuania has committed herself not to declare the Mameluks war until 1st of February 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Mameluks, but then not attend in active military warfare against her. Lithuania can only infringe the Treaty if the Mameluks conquer any European provinces.
§ 9
Timruid Empire has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 5th of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Timruid Empire cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
Signed and ratified by representatives from:
Austria - The Holiness the Emperor of Austria
Castile
England – King Henry V of England
Lithuania - Grand Duke Vytautas the Great of Lithuania
Ottoman Empire
Portugal
Scandinavia -Gunnar Høllesli, Scandinavian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Venice
The Mameluks
Timruid Empire
Poland – King Jogaila of Poland
The Bishop of Riga
(Riga, December 30, 1418)
The Canterbury Cathedral.
In the months before the conference, Vytautas the Great had travelled to England, Venice and Austria and offered the monarchs of the three countries to enter Royal Marriages with Lithuania. The Grand Duke was accompanied by a delegation of nearly 200 persons; among them were two of his brave and handsome sons, his lovely daughter, Zigmas of Ukraine (Vytautas the Great`s 1st Foreign Policies Advisor), Skirgaila (King Jogaila of Poland’s brother and lieutenant, Vytautas cousin), several Lithuanian and a few Polish diplomats, merchants, servants, and 130 fearless soldiers.
First the English navy escorted them from Estonia to Cardiff, where they met King Henry V of England. The King felt honoured by the Lithuanian offer, and accepted at once. The Grand Duke and the King decided the wedding should be held in the Canterbury Cathedral in the winter of 1419\20.
The Grand Duke was then invited to London where the King had arranged a grand ball for him. He accepted, but insisted to be accompanied by five of his bravest soldiers. It is later told that he had a pleasant evening - enjoying the music, the ladies and the glamour, allegations the Grand Duke himself later has tried to disprove of unknown reasons.
His visit in Venice was also successful, and the wedding arranged for the same time as the first (the winter of 1419\20).
Vienna.
In Austria the Grand Duke had an even more important task than just marrying away his children; He invited the Emperor to enter the Lithuanian-Polish alliance - where Vytautas and Lithuania had been made the leader after a personal meeting between Vytautas and Jogaila January 23, 1418.
When he arrived in Vienna, he handed over a letter to the Emperor (shortened):
Announcement to the Austrian government:
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania offers you to join their military alliance before or after their forthcoming victorious war. The alliance will be free and easy, Austria can fight their wars alone if they want, and the Grand Duchy reserve themselves the right to do the same. The alliance will first and foremost be a defence pact, to prevent prospective unwanted destructive wars against strong countries or alliances.
Austria will off course, if they are forced to defend Lithuanian territory from invasion, receive war indemnity in form of ducats, soldiers or province(s). The same deal will of course be in force if Austria should be invaded. (More detailed conditions can be discussed later).
The Lithuanian government will demand to stay as leader of the alliance, and is underlining that Poland is a permanent member, whose membership not are able for discussion.
Grand Duke Vytautas also want Bohemia to join later. If Poland does not agree, he has, however, promised not to be difficult.
The Lithuanians will off course discuss the deal further in the forthcoming days, and they will be happy to hear Austria’s views soon.
The Emperor was first sceptical to let Lithuania lead the alliance, but when Vytautas promised the two countries should participate in the alliance at equal premises, receiving the provinces\ducats they had the right to in peace negotiations etc., the Austrians finally accepted. But then something unexpected happened; the Scandinavian (Swedish) ambassador in Vienna convened a meeting with Scandinavian representatives and the Lithuanian delegation. The Scandinavians offered a much more lucrative alliance deal than the Austrians, and the two countries agreed. When it was known that Austria had no intention joining an alliance with ”the bastard nation of Scandinavia”, as the Emperor said, the Grand Duke had to cancel the planed Austrian-Polish-Lithuanian alliance;
Grand Duke Vytautas the Great is sorry to inform the Austrian Government and the Emperor of Austria that Lithuania’s alliance invitation is withdrawed. Vytautas has been told by his advisors that an alliance with Scandinavia is more favourable for his country. As long as Austria don’t withdraw their latest statement refusing to enter an alliance with both Lithuania and Scandinavia, the negotiations cannot go on.
Vytautas also states that he recently have had a personal meeting with the Scandinavian ambassador in Vienna, and that it was their conversation that finally convinced him to take this drastically decision.
He, however, tried to keep up warm relations between his country and Austria, and managed to have the Emperor to accept his Royal Marriage offer.
Vytautas and his delegation continued through Bohemia and Poland, and finally reached Vilnius late in 1418.
(The Pre-Game Report will probably be updated before our first session, August 10.)
(More information about “the forthcoming victorious war” and the period starting January 1, 1419 [Part A of my AAR] will be released August 13 or 14.)
In 1418 Vytautas the Great started a grand diplomatic campaign directed to the mightiest countries in Europe and the Arab world (read: human player countries). The first step was taken February 4, when he invited Austria, Castile, England, France, the Mameluks, Ottoman Empire, Scandinavia, Timruid Empire and Venice to enter a non-aggression pact called ”The non-aggression Treaty of Grand Duke Vytautas”.
December 30, delegates from all the mentioned countries - except France, who as only nation refused the Grand Dukes kind offer – signed the treaty at a grand and posh international conference – also including high-standing representatives from Poland, Bohemia, Luxemburg, Papal States, Pskov, Muscowy, France, Teutonic Order and Georgia – held in Bishop Albert`s Castle in Riga. The Bishop of Riga and King Jogaila of Poland witnessed the signing.
Primarily the Treaty should prevent any military confrontation between the treaty countries and the GDL. However, some countries negotiated their own deals, including different clauses. The official treaty document, signed by the treaty countries and the witnesses, looked like this; (shortened version):
Official treaty document:
Grand Duke Vytautas the Great of Lithuania is happy that he finally can publicize the official document of his treaty.
He is also very satisfied to have signed it, stating its importance to prevent destructive wars against strong and mighty nations. He is proud to see that all countries receiving his proposal – except France - have ratified the agreement, stating their respect and friendship to the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Vytautas the Great is looking forward to instructive cooperation with the non-aggression Treaty countries in the 80-years period, and hope that his successors will continue his work for peace in Europe.
Representatives from Austria, Castile, England, Lithuania, Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Venice, The Mameluks, Timruid Empire and Scandinavia signed the treaty in Riga, December 30, 1418. The Archbishop of Riga and King Jogaila of Poland have witnessed the signing.
§ 1
Austria has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuanian. Austria cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 2
Castile has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuanian. Castile cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 3
England has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. England cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 4
Ottoman Empire has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Ottoman Empire cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 5
Portugal has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Portugal cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 6
a. Scandinavia has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 1st of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Scandinavia cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
b. Lithuania has committed herself not to declare Scandinavia war, or conquer any of her provinces until 1st of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against Scandinavia, but then not attend in active military warfare against her. Lithuania cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
§ 7
Venice has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Venice can only infringe the Treaty if Lithuania conquers both the "northern trading centres" (Novgorod and Kurland).
§ 8
a. The Mameluks has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 3rd of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. The Mameluks can only infringe the treaty if Lithuania conquers any Shiite provinces.
b. Lithuania has committed herself not to declare the Mameluks war until 1st of February 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Mameluks, but then not attend in active military warfare against her. Lithuania can only infringe the Treaty if the Mameluks conquer any European provinces.
§ 9
Timruid Empire has committed herself not to declare Lithuania war, or conquer any of her provinces until 5th of January 1499. They can, however, join their allies eventually wars against the Grand Duchy, but then not attend in active military warfare against Lithuania. Timruid Empire cannot under any circumstances infringe the Treaty.
Signed and ratified by representatives from:
Austria - The Holiness the Emperor of Austria
Castile
England – King Henry V of England
Lithuania - Grand Duke Vytautas the Great of Lithuania
Ottoman Empire
Portugal
Scandinavia -Gunnar Høllesli, Scandinavian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Venice
The Mameluks
Timruid Empire
Poland – King Jogaila of Poland
The Bishop of Riga
(Riga, December 30, 1418)
The Canterbury Cathedral.
In the months before the conference, Vytautas the Great had travelled to England, Venice and Austria and offered the monarchs of the three countries to enter Royal Marriages with Lithuania. The Grand Duke was accompanied by a delegation of nearly 200 persons; among them were two of his brave and handsome sons, his lovely daughter, Zigmas of Ukraine (Vytautas the Great`s 1st Foreign Policies Advisor), Skirgaila (King Jogaila of Poland’s brother and lieutenant, Vytautas cousin), several Lithuanian and a few Polish diplomats, merchants, servants, and 130 fearless soldiers.
First the English navy escorted them from Estonia to Cardiff, where they met King Henry V of England. The King felt honoured by the Lithuanian offer, and accepted at once. The Grand Duke and the King decided the wedding should be held in the Canterbury Cathedral in the winter of 1419\20.
The Grand Duke was then invited to London where the King had arranged a grand ball for him. He accepted, but insisted to be accompanied by five of his bravest soldiers. It is later told that he had a pleasant evening - enjoying the music, the ladies and the glamour, allegations the Grand Duke himself later has tried to disprove of unknown reasons.
His visit in Venice was also successful, and the wedding arranged for the same time as the first (the winter of 1419\20).
Vienna.
In Austria the Grand Duke had an even more important task than just marrying away his children; He invited the Emperor to enter the Lithuanian-Polish alliance - where Vytautas and Lithuania had been made the leader after a personal meeting between Vytautas and Jogaila January 23, 1418.
When he arrived in Vienna, he handed over a letter to the Emperor (shortened):
Announcement to the Austrian government:
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania offers you to join their military alliance before or after their forthcoming victorious war. The alliance will be free and easy, Austria can fight their wars alone if they want, and the Grand Duchy reserve themselves the right to do the same. The alliance will first and foremost be a defence pact, to prevent prospective unwanted destructive wars against strong countries or alliances.
Austria will off course, if they are forced to defend Lithuanian territory from invasion, receive war indemnity in form of ducats, soldiers or province(s). The same deal will of course be in force if Austria should be invaded. (More detailed conditions can be discussed later).
The Lithuanian government will demand to stay as leader of the alliance, and is underlining that Poland is a permanent member, whose membership not are able for discussion.
Grand Duke Vytautas also want Bohemia to join later. If Poland does not agree, he has, however, promised not to be difficult.
The Lithuanians will off course discuss the deal further in the forthcoming days, and they will be happy to hear Austria’s views soon.
The Emperor was first sceptical to let Lithuania lead the alliance, but when Vytautas promised the two countries should participate in the alliance at equal premises, receiving the provinces\ducats they had the right to in peace negotiations etc., the Austrians finally accepted. But then something unexpected happened; the Scandinavian (Swedish) ambassador in Vienna convened a meeting with Scandinavian representatives and the Lithuanian delegation. The Scandinavians offered a much more lucrative alliance deal than the Austrians, and the two countries agreed. When it was known that Austria had no intention joining an alliance with ”the bastard nation of Scandinavia”, as the Emperor said, the Grand Duke had to cancel the planed Austrian-Polish-Lithuanian alliance;
Grand Duke Vytautas the Great is sorry to inform the Austrian Government and the Emperor of Austria that Lithuania’s alliance invitation is withdrawed. Vytautas has been told by his advisors that an alliance with Scandinavia is more favourable for his country. As long as Austria don’t withdraw their latest statement refusing to enter an alliance with both Lithuania and Scandinavia, the negotiations cannot go on.
Vytautas also states that he recently have had a personal meeting with the Scandinavian ambassador in Vienna, and that it was their conversation that finally convinced him to take this drastically decision.
He, however, tried to keep up warm relations between his country and Austria, and managed to have the Emperor to accept his Royal Marriage offer.
Vytautas and his delegation continued through Bohemia and Poland, and finally reached Vilnius late in 1418.
(The Pre-Game Report will probably be updated before our first session, August 10.)
(More information about “the forthcoming victorious war” and the period starting January 1, 1419 [Part A of my AAR] will be released August 13 or 14.)
Coming soon …
probably August 13 or 14, 2003
After Action Report:
Game: GRAND EUROPE - visit us here
Part A
The Grand Duchy and the Dukes are prepared for a grand and victorious war ...
With the sword in his hand Vytautas is ready to fight for his glorious nation, and build an empire strong enough to resist the bloodhungry muscovites and the barbaric crusaders...
probably August 13 or 14, 2003
After Action Report:
Game: GRAND EUROPE - visit us here
Part A
The Grand Duchy and the Dukes are prepared for a grand and victorious war ...
With the sword in his hand Vytautas is ready to fight for his glorious nation, and build an empire strong enough to resist the bloodhungry muscovites and the barbaric crusaders...
I see you're beginning in force...visits, diplomatic actions...so much action for Vytautas....
The history is great!
I am impressed by the effort you took to dig all that information out!
Looking forward to your AAR.
I am impressed by the effort you took to dig all that information out!
Looking forward to your AAR.
The first session of GRAND EUROPE will be played today (13-16 and 17-20 GMT). So my AAR will be out August 13 or 14. In other words; no delay!
To Sikakoira; You`ve probably already read it, but just to make sure; I`ve answered your last post in this thread in the "Illusion of Majesty" thread some days ago ...
To Sikakoira; You`ve probably already read it, but just to make sure; I`ve answered your last post in this thread in the "Illusion of Majesty" thread some days ago ...
DELAY!
Our game was delayed in last second, and of course my AAR too ...
I now expect to release it between 1st and 8th of September ... (or never)
I`m awfully sorry ...
Our game was delayed in last second, and of course my AAR too ...
I now expect to release it between 1st and 8th of September ... (or never)
I`m awfully sorry ...
This is incredible!
I love the attention to detail, great thoroughness Gottwaldus... and i hope you complete it... if you manage to do this... it will be a true masterpiece.
I love the attention to detail, great thoroughness Gottwaldus... and i hope you complete it... if you manage to do this... it will be a true masterpiece.
Oh! Don`t exaggerate, Languish ... But thanks, anyway. I`m flattered. Always fun with comments like this!
And I`ll probably complete it ...
And I`ll probably complete it ...
Coming soon …
probably between September 2nd and 16th (I`ll announce the exact date later.)
After Action Report:
Game: GRAND EUROPE - visit us here
Part A
The Grand Duchy and the Dukes are prepared for a grand and victorious war ...
With the sword in his hand Vytautas is ready to fight for his glorious nation, and build an empire strong enough to resist the bloodhungry muscovites and the barbaric crusaders...
probably between September 2nd and 16th (I`ll announce the exact date later.)
After Action Report:
Game: GRAND EUROPE - visit us here
Part A
The Grand Duchy and the Dukes are prepared for a grand and victorious war ...
With the sword in his hand Vytautas is ready to fight for his glorious nation, and build an empire strong enough to resist the bloodhungry muscovites and the barbaric crusaders...
I`m not sure I`m going to make it in September either. And the AAR is not going to be very comprehensive, so don`t expect too much. It`s plenty of great AARs to visit, so please don`t wait for my unsignificant First (and last) chapter.
Thank you for reading my AAR!
Gottwaldus.
Thank you for reading my AAR!
Gottwaldus.