Thanks for the help! Well, then, I'll entertain some lurkers, and you... enough for me for now.
So I'll explain the stuff, and start.
My goals, in importancy order (somewhat):
-Make the Habsburgs one of the best, if not the best, nations of Europe.
-Make a strong alliance.
-Diploannex whoever else I can. I just do love it. (but I'll diplo obvious ones like Bohemia and Würtemberg at the start)
-If everything else is fine and dandy, I might compete for Holy Roman Emperor. I suppose, newbs don't stand a chance though... is it something about +200 relations to all electors?
-Colonisation is the very last. If I can get my hands on some chinaware, so be it, but I won't break my neck for it.
Self restrictions:
-No winnin-what am I talking? Everything is fair game for me!
Difficulty: Whatever is default.
IGC, no other download.
Text written like this is game info and actual happenings. The speeches, and actings of characters in roleplay mode is plain text.
Well, then I'll suppose I'll start under the rule of Maximilian I. I'll do it by years, trying to go in order.
1492:
-Is it really such a discovery, that we're landlocked and friends with none but the none-too-big country of Bohemia?-Maximilian sounded impatient. He clearly saw the situation Austria is in, and wanted to solve the situation quickly by seeking a strong alliance and perhaps incorporating a few smaller minors into the empire.
(anyone explain this? ruler's attributes: "Diplomat, Diplomat, Diplomat&Diplomat") It was none too surprising, the impatience in his tone, after all how many advisors have already came up with such ideas?
-B...but your Majesty...
-Enough! - The emperor
(not the holy roman one, just the normal ) cut his advisor's speech in half. -It's time to act! As it has been said so many times before, we need allies. So send diplomats into Würtemberg and Hungary, and get them to join our alliance, even if at the price of a few smaller favors! And vassalise Bohemia, I plan to annex them in the friendly way... -the emperor seemed a little more relaxed now. But the advisors saw that their time is over for now, and snuck out of the throneroom.
Columbus didn't bring back any wars from America yet. We sent all our merchants to make profit in Venice. Meanwhile, we got Würtemberg and the Hungarians to join our cause but haven't vassalised Bohemia yet - though really beg to be Austrians, no?
The emperor Maximilian was happy this time. Happy because he got what he wanted. Happy also because he had no troubles at the moment. And very happy, as no pesky advisors came to disturb him, only the occasional report and the prompt replies.
Suddenly a thought struck him. He stormed down to the treasure lair, clapped his hands slowly two times and asked the financial advisor: -How's money business?
-Well, we have about 100 ducats, the annual monthly sum is a bit negative, and the yearly income is about 110 ducats. Mostly from Styria, the golden province - the financier spoke quickly, a bit noticeably quickly.
-I have heard about the peasants, weeeelllll, forgetting to pay the taxes, no?
-Well, yes, your Majesty, indeed it could be...
-As long as I'm the emperor, it WILL be better! - grunted Maximilian. He was annoyed, because he had to make a better tax collection system. But that would cause unrest among the peasants... can't they just live peacefully?
We started appointing tax collectors, as much as the money allowed. Styria made the most noticeable change, now I see these guys have a good effect. No revolt risk came above 0% yet. The stability is going from 2 to 3 slowly. No wars in the world yet, except those Mamelukes that are currently being trashed by the stronger side-the Ottomans... I wish the Mamelukes good luck, both of us are unfriendly with the Ottomans at least.