The Soldier Kings, A Prussian AAR

[Braedonnal]

I'm new at this so be patient with me. Here we go.

1492

John Cierco rules this poor and almost hopelessly divided land and I am his chief minister. All around us are lands wealthier than we. The declining yet powerful Hanseatic League lands lie to the north. Bohemia and their Austrian allies to the south and the enormous nation-state that is Poland-Lithuania to the east. We hold Prussia only at their bidding and the elector and I agree that the Junker estates of the east are utterly undefendable and expendable. Mark Brandenburg is the core we must protect and add to, and add to it we will. I review our army and while most nations would consider it suffient, I do not and spend the treasury recruiting soldiers. The Teutonic Order, Duchy of Hessen, and Duchy of Thuringen send offers of royal marriage which are agreeable and we need allies for what the elector and I have planned. In April a diplomat is dispatched north to the Hanseatic League. Bold action and a strong army alone will make Prussia a great nation and we intend to prove it with blood and iron. The troops are already marching as the diplomat rides speedily away.

Mecklenburg falls swiftly to assault and we are amused by the fact that they were fortifying several provinces. Will their stones stop the might of Prussia? The fools needed men and their treasury looks to be spent. Orders are given to proceed to Holstein which falls after a short siege. The army marches to Bremen. They finally seem to realize this is an invasion and build troops and march their army which loots Kustrin. At Bremen recruited Hanse troops are sent fleeing but this city holds a bit longer and the year ends.


1493

Bremen falls after an assault and the army moves to Western Pommerania. Unfortunately, those recruits that fled joined their friends and moved to Mecklenburg to try to take it back. No matter, we continue with our siege and new recruits are called as our limited manpower reserves permit. We are told that field artillery can be cast now (Land Tech 3) and we immediately order some 40 cannon.

1494

The war drags on. I had hoped we could end it sooner but it just wasn't possible. The new cannon perform fabulously and Western Pommerania is reduced. Just Eastern Pommerania remains but the Hanse is near to recapturing their capitol so the army is ordered there. They are no match for the impressive mixed army we field and we can reduce that final province at our leisure. I was informed that traders could be sent (Trade Tech 2) but we have need of troops and these traders are pressed into the army.

1495

Eastern Pommerania falls after a lengthy siege and we learn that cannon are not always great as this horrible marshland makes this last far too long. Nov 2nd, annexation is forced on the Hanseatic League. We inherit their navy and these ships are gathered in Bremen. The Treaty of Tordesillas is signed and this reminds me that we need knowledge of the world.

1496

We look forward to peace but the army is not neglected especially as the people of Bremen, Holstein and Mecklenburg aren't keen on this whole being Prussian. I order any revolts to be brutally crushed and a new army is formed in Brandenburg while the other is stationed in Holstein. I didn't mention it but the League tried earlier to land in Eastern Prussia but they were destroyed on the sandy shores so Prussia has three armies at this time. Better to be cautious than conquered I say. We decide to protect our new trade center by embargoing all foreign traders (event) and I finally release some of our own.

1497

Tax collectors are appointed as I feel the army is strong enough...for now. Good news for us, Poland wars with Turkey. In fact, everyone wars with Turkey (Serbia, Venice, Greece, Wallachia, Moldavia). Turkey is supported by Sweden and Scotland. Strange days when Catholic side with Muslims against Catholics and Orthodox. As long as it weakens Poland's armies, we will be happy.

1498

We hate the Turks continues when Persia (Spain and Milan) declare war. I thought we would get more attention for our actions in the north but I don't mind seeing the Turks bleed. We learn to use artillery to work with the infantry (Land Tech 4) and come up with the novel idea of mounting guns on ships (Naval Tech 3). France (Savoy, Brittany, Papal States, Lorraine, Helvetia) declares on Spain (Milan, Persia, Naples). Interesting news.

1499

Joachim I Nestor now rules Mark Brandenburg and the Duchy of Prussia. Royal marriages are made with Hungary, Bavaria, Wurtemburg, Baden, France, Palatinate, Denmark, Sweden, Teutonic Order and Lorraine. House Hohenzollern has learned from the Habsburgs, marry off your younger sons and daughters and dynastic things may happen.

1500

More years of peace and building up the enlarged Mark. I endure going to more marriages (Savoy, Venice, Tuscany, Austria and England). Spain annexs Helvetia and France annexs Milan. Prussia's reputation is made great! (event) I thought it was due to our war but I found it was due to the prolific Hohenzollern line. I guess reputation can be made for all sorts of reasons but to be Europe's...ah nevermind. We will succeed by blood and iron and breeding!

1501

Guess what? Another royal marriage (Kleves) I grow tired of these. Am I a minister of the realm or the royal pimp? Wallachia is annexed by the Turk and France secures Roussillon from Spain. Hungary (Austria, Bohemia, Wurtemburg, Baden) declare on the Turk. My spies fail me. What has Turkey done to anger the world? A man named Frauenschuh enlists to kill natives and such. We know nothing of the world and go about learning. We trade maps to Russia, Denmark, Portugal and England and decide that the northern continent looks good for him to explore and to begin colonization.

This will begin a new era for Prussia.

 

[Braedonnal]

1502-1503

Quiet times, yet there is always time for a royal marriage (Bohemia). A letter was sent to Bohemia and Spain. We land our brave Frauenschuh and a colonist is sent and founds Friedrichstadt (Chesapeake). So much for colonization but it's a nice base.

1504

I ponder the colony question and decide it is a worthwhile investment. Soon there is great interest in this new colony. Colonial dynamism (event) which adds another conquerer (Zepernik) and he will be sent to explore south of Chesapeake and Frauenschuh will explore west and north.

1505-1506

Colonists are being sent to Friedrichstadt and exploration continues. Royal marriages with Saxony, Hannover, Modena and Spain...sigh. A political crisis forces bolstering the nations stability.

1507-1508

An explorer (Liszt) decides to show up. [Seems the game wants me to be a colonial player early. I have never had this kind of pro-colony events ever, not so close together anyways] More colonists to Friedrichstadt. Turkey (Crimea) declares on Greece (Venice, Moldavia, Serbia, Georgia, Ethiopia).
Friedrichstadt is a city and we discover the Iroquis.

1509

Teutonic Order annexs Pskov in a one month war and seeing von Plattenburg with a 60k army made me smile. France (Savoy, Papal States, Lorraine) declares on England (Portugal, Sweden and Prussia). We figure that this war will not touch us so we joined.

1510-1513

Colonist to Dominca and Wilhelmsburg is founded. Deflation occurs (event) though we really don't need it. Monopoly discovered (Trade tech 3) and the dreaded metal cannonball (Naval tech 4). Exploring, colonizing and building improvements are what we do in this period. Papists land in Bremen and they burn to Pommerania while we were in Memel [also known as I was busy colonizing and exploring and missed it] but they were destroyed there. Savoy tried a landing in Eastern Prussia which was destroyed to a man. Something happens in 1513 which changes Europe forever, the Reformation.

1514-1519

This first year sees us turn Protestant. I mean, how dare the pope attack our lands! The people remember all too well Papist troops burning our fields. We seize all church lands and run out the Catholic clergy. We also begin a fortress building program and stabilizing the realm. Royal marriage with Moldavia. It seems even the orthodox Christians know of our reputation. advances made in Infrastructure (Tech 4) and we receive a gift to the state 400d. Friedricia is founded (Roanoke) and we discover how to make guns (Land tech 5 Early Arquebus). Karl V is HRE in 1519 and we could not care less and Feste Hoffnung is founded (Catawba).

1520-1522

Joachim appoints Brandstadter minister. Festung Preussen established (Powhatan). Embargo is discovered (Trade tech 4) and below is our first tax report.

Tax income: 16 (1.25) 20.9 Goods Production 16 (.44) 7.3 Trading income 10 (.34) 3.7 Total 31.8 Inflation 4%

1523-1527

Neu Germania founded (Delaware). Hessen, Wurtemburg and Palatinate go Protestant and seek Hohenzollern wifes and husbunds. Limited war is fought in Seminole with Spanish forces, which we destroy. Letters sent to Hessen and Wurtemburg also. We discover a new small firearm which I start to wear (Land Tech 6 Early Pistol). Fort Brandenburg founded (Carolina), Neu Memel (Savannah) and Neu Eastern Prussia (Seminole). We looked forward to more colonial ventures as they helped to pay for the armies but next year something would happen that would certainly surprise us and shatter the peaceful expansion period.

 

[unmerged(21523)]

Another new AAR. Wonderful! Doing quite well to have annexed the Hansa and colonized America by 1510!

 

[Morpheus506]

Great start. Wow, that's a lot of colonization Got some screenies for us?

 

[Braedonnal]

I need to figure out where and how to host and all that junk. As for screenshots I think I have some anyone have any advice on a good, free place to host screenies? Hmm, ok, I was just looking and couldn't find the map files though I do have a bunch of old saved files I can bring up. Is there a command to take screenshots? I don't have the manual so I can't look for myself, unfortunately. o

As for alot of colonization I have to admit I was rather lucky with the random events. To get an explorer, a conquistador and dynamism so close together really made me reevaluate my simpler plans of just working on unifying Greater Germany not that I still can't do that but I will be pouring money into colonies but they do tend to pay for themselves in the long run so it will all work out.

 

[Braedonnal]

1528

I expected another peaceful year which started with Thuringen joining us in the Lutheran faith. Yet another royal marriage was planned. Most unexpectedly a Saxon envoy rode up and delivery me a letter. So, the Saxons and their allies (Bavaria, Baden and Hannover) were attacking. The nation wasn't exactly prepared for this and I decided I would command an army in the south [my ego forces me to have a leader that is me ]. We call for allies and France, Lorraine and Savoy answer the call. The elector and I meet before I go to the front and I will say this, I have never seen him so riled up. Annexation of Saxony was the the only acceptable result.

1529

Disaster! Magdeburg falls to a 65k combined Hannoverian Saxon army. I lead an army and brutalize a smaller Saxon army and move to Saxony. We do struggle somewhat mobilizing troops but good progress in made by the end of the year as Saxony falls and we move to Anhalt. As for those pesky Hannoverians, they are weakening themselves attacking Georg's army defending from across the Elbe trying to force their way into Mecklenburg.

1530

Sweden joins Luther's faith and marriage is planned. Georg finally breaks the Hannoverian army after they try two crossings. He then moves to Brandenburg but cancels that sensing Hannoverian weakness and move to that province. I lead the assault on Anhalt personally and it falls. Some 15k Saxons have been besieging Berlin so I swifty dictate terms. I believe it went something like this. You can either live and join our realm and army or you can die and we will add you to our state anyways. So it was that we inherited the Saxony army and they move to join Georg with the Brandenburg Army in Hannover while I march the Konigliche Armee to Oldenburg. Assaults are soon called for and Hannover falls June 4th and Oldenburg June 6th. They are doomed at this point but they refuse full annexation so we besiege Magdeburg June 27th. Our ex-Hanse shipbuilders tells us we can build Galleons (Naval tech 5). Magdeburg is retaken on Dec 12th and Hannover is added to the growing nation-state Prussia. The elector is not pleased with our allies as they didn't even send one man to our shores. I am pleased as I review these new provinces as they are quite wealthy and fully developed.

1531

England is Protestant and we send a letter. Neu Magdeburg (Everglades) is founded.

1532

Tax Income 22 (1.25) 27.7 Goods Production 22 (.44) 10.1 Trading Income 26 (.34) 9.4 Inflation is at 7% Letters to England, Hessen, Thuringen, Wurtemburg and Sweden. Valable minerals were found 400D (event). France declares on England and we decline to honor this alliance and instead join up with Sweden.

1533-1538

Neu Brandenberg (Talahassee) is founded and we also manage to pay our loan. Neu Kustrin (Mobile) is founded. State gift to England but it is not enough to stop the French beatings and they must cede Calais and Meath. A naval factory is built in W Pommerania for free (event). Joachim II Hektor is now elector. We learn to use Metal bulets (Land tech 7). Neu Mecklenburg (Biloxi) founded and New Bremen as well A trade center opened in Anglia.

 

[Lord E]

Cool start, it has been a very long time since the last time someone played with Prussia, I think, so this is going to be interesting

 

[Morpheus506]

You could use geocities.

Or www.villagephotos.com, www.freewebs.com, www.mysite.freeserve.com, lycos, etc. There are no lack of hosts

 

[unmerged(21523)]

to take a screenie, hit F11. The files will appear as "screenshot 1,2,etc." in your EU folder.

 

[Braedonnal]

Thanks for the encouragement and the information. I will work on posting some screenshots after the paper I am writing for English class is done. Let me catch you all up to where I am at now. It's been a wild ride.

1539-1541

Our spies steal an item called the Astrolabe (Naval Tech 6) from the Portugesse. Our ally Sweden (England) declares war on Teutonic Order. We answer their call as we heard they were oppressing their Lutheran subjects in Kurland. An army is dispatched swifty to besiege Kurland which occurs Oct 7th. Kurland proves to be a difficult siege and it holds out nearly a year Oct 1st is when it falls. The Order must have been bankrupt after their wars as they do not levy troops at all. We move our army to Livonia to force the conflict. Early 1541, they sue for peace offering Kurland and we accept.

1542

The Teutonic Order must have seen the truth of Luther's words on the battlefield as they turn Protestant. We plan another marriage. Turkey and friends declare against Venice and friends. Seems every five years this happens. Austria's formidable alliance also wars with Venice. Catholics fighting Catholics, it's win win for us.

1543

Alcibiades arrives in Kurland. Georg passes away. He wasn't all that great of a general as I understand it. Honestly, he is no loss. Russia asks for royal marriage. Why not, everyone else had one at some point.

1544

Johann Georg arrives in Saxony. We build a neval manufactory in Mecklenburg. Sweden decides Denmark is a threat and declares war, England and Prussia support our ally and Norway supports Denmark. This is the shortest war we ever have fought. Jylland crumbles as soon as our army arrives. I thought there was a fortress around but maybe we steamrolled it. We cross into Sjaelland and it also falls in a couple months. Denmark sues, offering Jylland and we accept. Norway sends a seedy looking diplomat that dictate terms for our surrender. He asks us for the princely sum of 0D. The Elector and I chuckle and he signs the peace treaty.

1545

We manage to acquire some guns from the French and learn how to make the Arquebus (Land Tech 8). Fredericia (Roanoke) becomes a city.

1546

Grave news, Johann Georg dies fighting rebel scum in Saxony. The nation mourns.

1547-1549

The elector chooses Gadenne to be his minister (event). Our army learns to use the guns we got enmass and dub them Arquebusiers (Land Tech 9).
England asks for a marriage and we agree to this request. We invent a new firearm which we call the Matchlock (Land Tech 10).

1550

A new wave of religious turmoil wacks Europe as Jean Calvin's teaching spreads. The Elector is taken with this new faith and convert and where the leader leads others follow. We do pursue a policy of tolerence within the Electorate.

As Protestant:

Tax income: 29 (1.25) 37.2 Goods Production: 30 (.44) 13.9
Trading Income: 37 (.34) 13.2 Total: 64.3 Inflation: 10%

As Reformed:

Tax Income: 25 (1.00) 25.5 Goods Production: 26 (.39) 10.7
Trading Income: 37 (.39) 15.0 Total: 51.2 Inflation: 10%

Rebellions in Biloxi, Kustrin and Hannover. We ask for royal ties with Thuringen and Wurtemburg. Sweden reinvites us to the alliance.

1551

England reforms. Sweden (England, Finland, Prussia) declare against Russia. We share no border and have no sizable navy so we sit out. Neu Germania (Delaware) becomes a city. We do put down a few revolts this year.

1552

Palatinate reformed. Oldenburg rebels and I pass several reforms and the army is inproved (event). Alcibiades dies fighting rebels in Kurland. Oldenburg is chain revolting which we fear is tied to the massive rebellions we spy in the Spanish Netherlands. We purchase peace with Russia for a mere 11D.

1553-1559

Austria and her massive alliance (Spain, Portugal, Naples, Palatinate, Modena, Papal States) declare on Bohemia (Poland-Lithuania, Hungary). 1554 sees Festung Preussen (Powhatan) become a city. 1555, Hessen reforms and a fire burns the Pommeranian naval factory to the ground. We also learn good charting methods (Naval Tech 7). Poland-Lithuania declares on Russia. 1556 and 1557 are uneventful. 1558 sees Feste Hoffnung (Catawba) become a city and 1559 is another boring year.

 

[Braedonnal]

1560

The clergy is unhappy (event) a most annoying development. England declares on Scotland (Genoa, Teutonic Order) and Sweden and Prussia stand by our ally.

1561

Scotland reforms. A pity we war with them. We overrun Livonia and Estonia. We wait to dictate peace to get a larger sum of money.

1562

The Netherlands declare their independence. We notice Hessen is allied with Kleves and the Palatinate so we decide to declare on Kleves hoping to draw the others into war. Hessen answers Kleves call but the Palatinate refuses. Oh well, 50% isn't too bad. Hannover is besieged by Hessen but we ignore this and go for their army. Munster falls Aug 26th. Hessen is at (-2) and we assault. Unfortunately, their army suicides on my army so no inheriting a new army. I march to Kleves which is besieged Oct 28th and we finally make peace with Teutonic Order for 191D. I call for an assault at Kleves which falls Nov 6th. We formally annex both nations to the growing nation-state that is Prussia! Our reckless actions trigger a new war. Bohemia (Poland-Lithuania, Hungary declare war and we call (England, Sweden) Finland dishonors but we cannot punish them as this will be a terrible war I fear. A terrible way to end what looked to be a glorious year.

1563

Woe unto us! Denmark (Norway) declares war! We call and it is answered. The elector and I decide to let the north go. Denmark can have Jylland back if they wish. Oh no, Spain (Austria, Baden, Savoy, Papal States, Naples) declares war and this turns into a global war. We call and our alliance answers. We pray their fleets keep them all away from our shores. P-L and friends besiege Kurland and Eastern Prussia. We march to Western Prussia and Danzig, Western Prussia falling in a couple months. We allow the terrain do its thing in Konigsburg. Danzig is assaulted and taken Oct 23th. We besiege Silesia and we take it soon after and move to Moravia and it also falls. We move to counter Bohemian forces in Silesia but instead decide to reroute to Bohemia to force peace. I personally relieve the siege at Konigsburg and rout them and move to Mazovia to put Poland out of this war.

1564

We lose Silesia on March 21st but take Posen April 6th. Mazovia falls April 20th. Their king meets me outside Warsaw and offers Western Prussia, Danzig and Posen which is far too tempting not to take. I know the Elector will be pleased with this settlement. I move my army south to help force terms with Bohemia to put them out of this war. Silesia is besieged and assaulted and taken. Bohemia is besieged and falls soon after. We move to Sudeten and besiege and it falls Christmas Day. We move to Erz and decide full annexation is the only peace we will take.

1565

We besiege Erz and it falls April 15th meanwhile the Saxony army marched with the Brandenburg Army to Kurland smashing Hungarian forces there. Bohemia is annexed. I haven't mentioned America all that much. Spain had invaded Dominica twice but they were repelled on the beaches. Bayou was overrun and Biloxi invaded but Spanish forces were routed and pursued. Bayou was retaken and Matagorda was assaulted. We then took Tampico and Saltillo and burned some trading posts in the area. More troops are being mobilized over there. We white peace Hungary to end there involvement in the war. Atlixco is taking in the Americas. Silesia becomes reformed (event). Austria invades Hessen and I move to Ostmarch to force peace on this front. Denmark besieges Jylland. We let them. Hessen revolts and kicks the Austrian out, very amusing. The year ends with Bavaria declaring war alone.

1566

I decide that these Bavarians must pay. They besiege Sudeten. Denmark offers peace for 73D. We consider it money well spent. We ask Spain for Matagorda and end that phase of the war. Scotland we white peace and we are only at war with Bavaria. I relieve the siege at Sudeten and march to Ansbach which falls Aug 15th. The Saxony Army besieges Bavaria and I join them. We capture it Dec 20th. They are annexed for their treacherous attack. We are finally at peace but for how long we know not but we have proved our greatness to the European powers and the Elector is now King of Prussia due to a clause in our peace with Spain and Austria.

 

[Morpheus506]

Nice.... see, that's the attitude people need to have about BB Wars.... ANNEX THEM ALL, MUAHAHA!!!

Looking forward to more

 

[Braedonnal]

Aha, screenshots are all easy to do and add. I edited them in at the appropiate years so you need to look back to see them. Expect a new installment tomorrow at some point, I'll give you a hint, can you say badboy round two?

 

[Braedonnal]

1567

England concludes a favorable peace with Scotland receiving Yorkshire back. We learn from our allies how to plan long expeditions (Longistics, Land tech 11). Europe is at peace and considering the scope of the last war, we are rather thankful for it as the army needs rebuilding. The major powers at this time are Spain, though they are in decline, France, Poland-Lithuania and Russia. The Russians have been steadily expanding through Finland and the Khanates of the south. We have done well but I tire and will allow my grandson to be Regent.

1568

Matthias, regent of all Prussia, dies and the nation mourns. I, Matthias III, Duke of Saxony and King's Regent, succeed him. The nation knows that his policies and generalship are largely responsible for the growth and power of the Kingdom of Prussia. I sorely miss my grandfather and his wise counsel but I will devote myself to the development of a more powerful Prussia as he did.

I look over the state of the realm and see a few problems. The main one is that we lag in certain technologies, mainly in the military arts. This is completely unacceptable. The next problem is the rebellions throughout the realm. Until these subside I cannot recommend further expansion. Third, the army's numbers is it a low amount. We will certainly fall if this situation isn't rectified. Four, though the colonies provide revenues they are a constant drain on our tax investments and they are not very defensible though with the frontier pushed to the Rio Grande, this might be improved. Five, we have no navy so the colonies must be self-sufficent to defend themselves as we have no means to transport large numbers of troops there.

I propose the following measures. We will invest heavily into trading and infrastructure to increase the tax base as this will add to the rate of research. It's a long term plan but one I believe will be better in the long run. As for the rebellions, only a period of peace will lessen this problem. As we are surrounded by enemies, they would jump at the chance to destroy us if our nation was overrun with rebels. We will further expand the army as resources permit. The colonies will continue to be allowed a sense of self-determination as the Vaterland cannot spare to build a sizable navy. We will work on developing our current territories and only allow a reduced amount of new colonies. We have plans for India and the Far East at one point but this is a long time away. We have come up with plans for further European and Spanish American conquests but likely will not implement them for many years.

Holland sees the development of a new center of trade and we flood this new market to have a sizable presense there. My grandfather somewhat ignored the middle class but I will try to fully exploit it.

1569

The Council of Trento occurs. It seems the Catholics will force conversion on their enemies. I pray that we don't have huge outbreaks of religious wars as we cannot afford to war just yet.

1570

Tax Income: 38 (1.25) 48.7 Goods Production: 52 (.39) 21.1
Trading Income: 43 (.40) 17.7 Total 87.5 Inflation: 13% Not bad at all but I push for more economic development. Posen revolts, the first one in awhile. Honestly, I had expected many more.

1571

Johann Georg now rules the House of Hohenzollern. It is good see him again considering we thought him dead fighting rebels in Saxony years back. Further good news as a new center of trade opens in Matagorda. I immediately flood this to acquire a monoply here and income sores. I send traders to claim Wichita and Concho as we try to allow our borders to reach their natural frontiers. Posen rebels twice and troops are raised to replace losses.

1572

Moravia and Jylland revolt. Sweden wars with Denmark and we refuse to join. The Inca Empire is absorbed by the Spanish. Scotland invites us into alliance with France and Genoa but we refuse joining with Thuringen, Wurtemburg and The Palatinate hoping to vassalize them and eventually to diplomatically adding them to the kingdom. Bohenia revolts at the end of the year.

1573

Neu Eastern Prussia (Seminole) becomes a city. Much to our surpise, the Rhine-Palatinate is absorbed into the realm due to dynastic influences (event). We now border with the Spanish Netherlands in the west. A trading post is established in Pecos and we consider the Pecos-Rio Grande line to be our western frontier in the colonies.

1574

The year starts with a rebellion in Posen. Those poles are rather angry fellows so we station an army there. Greece and their alliance war with Ragusa. Reports tell me that they have the same chance as Thuringen would have if they declared on us. In Mecklenburg, our shipbuilders learn of the Galeass (Naval Tech 8). Hessen revolts and then is followed by Moravia. Neu Saxony (Rio Grande) is founded. On Dec 1st, Ragusa is annexed by Greece.

1575

Revolts occur in Mainz twice and in Sudeten. The dynastic event seems to have had some difficulties. We learn to promote governors in our cities and proceed to do so (Infrastructure Level 5). Finally, some inflation relief.

1576

A new center of trade in Aisen (Spain). We send a few merchants here also. Our alliance expired but Thuringen has been vassalizied and we decide to join an alliance of England, Sweden and the Netherlands. Pfalz revolts. Sweden secures peace with Norway gaining Jamtland. Rudolf II of Austria is elected Holy Roman Emperor. We consider him our enemy. A new mineral was discovered and the crown receives 300D from it.

1577

This is a quiet year which we spend inproving colonial infrastructure.

1578

Nothing newsworthy here besides a revolt in Bavaria.

1579

Sudeten rovolts and it is put down mercilessly. Our trade incomes improve as our merchants learn to become more competitive (Trade tech 5).

1580

Tax Income: 46 (1.25) 57.8 Goods Production: 53 (.50) 26.8
Trading Income: 70 (.56) 39.3 Total: 123.8 Inflation: 0%

It seems my policy for expanding revenue is working. Neu Saxony (Rio Grande) becomes a city. Colonists rush to the docks throughout the realm (event). Unfortunately, Mainz revolts yet again.

1581

Ft. Brandenburg (Carolina) becomes a city. New Kleves (Pecos) is founded.

1582

It's a long year of rebellions. Bohemia, Ansbach and Posen rebel against the Kaiser's rule.

1583

Bohemia revolts. We learn of the musket from several of our neighbors (Land tech 12).

1584

The Dutch teach our naval officers of the compass (Naval tech 9). We receive a gift to the state from the Junkers. They are happy with the new lands along the Vistula.

1585

Pfalz revolts. It's a shame that the people are so unhappy as it reflects poorly upon our prosparity.

1586

More Dutch are invited to train our navy and we learn to increase the range of our guns (Naval tech 10). Unfortunately not everyone agrees with our pro-Dutch stance and a political crisis develops (event). We believe this is caused by Habsburg agents within the realm. France (Poland-Lithuania, Finland, Knights, Papal States) declares war on Austria (Spain, Naples) the first large war to occur since the Global War.

1587

Neu Memel (Savannah) becomes a city. Neu Kleves (Pecos) is also a city.

1588

A trading post is founded in Cochin. We discover a method of combat to use with the new muskets (Land tech 13, Musketeers).

1589

Our navy learns of the top sail (Naval tech 11). Genoa (Savoy) wars with Austria (Naples). France and Spain are at peace and France receives Helvetia. Apparently Poland-Lithuania has diplomatically annexed Hungary.

1590

Fortification efforts begin and the royal mint begins to print large amounts of money to complete this project.

1591

Our naval officers learn to mount cannon on the bows of ships (Naval tech 12). A new round of Colonial Dynamism begins (event).

1592

This year is extremely peaceful and fortification efforts continue. We also begin to plan for war with Austria. It is time to finish the fight for mastery of Germany.

 

[Braedonnal]

1593

Fortifications are all completed. We begin mobilization of the army and large amounts of infantry are trained. We flood Spain's trade with merchants and soon find ourselves embargoed giving us the casus belli we needed. War is declared on Spain (Austria, Cologne, Naples) on June 1st and we are joined by Netherlands, England, Sweden, Scotland). Our goals are clear and we will accept no less than total annexation of Austria as our terms. Ostmarch falls Aug 27th as I follow in my grandfather's steps and lead an army. The Teutonic Order declares war Sept 21st and our allies answer the call. Denmark (Norway) declares war Oct 30th.

1594

Early Optics are invented (Naval tech 13). Cologne is assaulted and taken March 26th. They are annexed and our army grows as they had been in Pfalz at the time of the surrender. Unfortunately, with my absence from the court, poor government policies are implemented (event). France and Austria make peace and France receives Alsace. This is a disturbing development and France with need to be crushed one day it seems. We capture Zacatecas in Spanish America. We decide this will be another war prize we will insist on. A ton of other Spanish American provinces fall as the Spaniards haven't fortified their colonies well. Austria is taken and I move to take the mines at Styria. The Saxony army besieges Odenburg. Both of these province fall after short sieges and assaults and the Saxony army moves to Salzberg as I move the Konigliche Armee to Istria. Salzburg falls rather swiftly and the Saxony army is moved to Tyrol.

1595

Istria is taken by assault Jan 27th. The army of Kurland takes Livonia and we ask peace for their treasury which didn't amount to much. The Dutch Army gets Tyrol and we curse the fact we have no real leaders but myself. We annex Austria and just as swiftly make peace with Spain for Tampico and Zacatecas to which they agree. Felipe II of Spain is now the Holy Roman Emperor but at this point the title has no power as their are no Habsburg lands in the HRE besides parts of the Spanish Netherlands. We sue peace with Denmark for their treasury after assaulting and taking their capital. The war seems to be winding down but then Poland-Lithuania (Finland, Knights, France, Papal States, Modena) declares war on us. Our allies answer the call. Venice (Greece, Moldovia, Serbia, Russia) declares war also and we call. Suddenly, this new threat was greater than the first phase of this war.

1596

Lorraine declares war. This is humorous to us. They will be duly annexed. Baden had also declared war. I decide Baden will be captured and annexed first and then Lorraine. Baden falls March 2nd and we annex them and take their army which was besieging Mainz. We buy peace with Norway and why they didn't surrender when Denmark gave up is a mystery I cannot answer. We capture Mazovia and force a white peace before a 100k army marching through Alsace can make its presense felt. Istria is lost to Serbia on June 6th. I personally lead the assault on Venice and force a white peace on Oct 9th. Our vassal, Thuringen, breaks vassalization and declares war on Nov 7th. There is only one penalty for that sort of treachery, full annexation. Lorraine is taken on Nov 21st and it is annexed to the Konigsreich.

1597

Thuringen is our final opponent as peace has been forced on all major powers. England and Scotland propose royal marriages and we accept. Thuringen armies march throughout our lands, looting and pillaging as they go but we instead besiege Thuringen and it falls Aug 13th and we annex them as well. The second global war is over and we are battered but completely victorious. [Badboy is a mere 74].

 

[unmerged(21523)]

Prussian fiends!!! The Austrian nation shall rise again! (takes calming breaths, hits nearby inanimate object). I guess there's something about guiding a nation through 300 years that leads to your identifying with them. I wonder which will be bigger by 1792--your Prussia or my Austria? Disappointingly, my Austria game is finished and you still have almost 200 years! Doing a great job.

 

[Lord E]

Hehe good work there, soon you have a large enough Prussia so that you can do what ever you want with every country in the world
Good work

 

[Braedonnal]

Thanks for the encouragement and comments. Sorry about Austria but as my goal was Grossdeutschland they had to go. I loved your Austria, so big and powerful, but my Austria was nothing but a nuisance and was weak enough to lose territory to Poland.

I have now have a bit of space and have a port on the Mediterranean and easy access to Venice to knock them out of badboy wars. At this point, I am troubled by the Franco-Polish alliance. It's that age old German problem, the two-front war. The French are rather powerful though they really don't have a colonial empire as of yet and Poland-Lithuania is just too large after the annexation of Hungary but it is rather easy to force Poland to the peace table, having easy access to Masovia. Spain at this point is my colonial whipping boy, I simply let them build colonies so I can receive them at the peace table. I am pretty sure a showdown will occur soon in Europe to see if France or Prussia will be the top dog of European politics. I doubt it will be at a time of my choosing though, my badboy is just too high and Sweden is insanely aggressive with Denmark.

One thing I really must do is finish developing the Cotton Belt into cities. Those level one colonies are a real liability as I can't keep Spain away from my shores but once I can build shipyards I will work on a navy.

 

[Braedonnal]

1597 (cont.)

Istria rebels and Carnolia is still rebel controlled. These Austrians are most unruly and cry for the Spaniards to save and rule them. We will deal with this as we always have since the days of Friedrich VI Hohenzollern, Burgraf of Nuremburg and also Friedrich I, Markgraf of Brandenburg, by suppessing them terribly. [As a sidenote of history, this was the man that first reeled in the Junker lords in 1412. The Junkers refused to give up their power and one commented, 'not even if it rained Nuremburgers.' Friedrich made him eat those words and called in 600 Franconian knights from Nuremburg and borrowed a cannon from Thuringen named Faule Gretel (Lazy Gretel) which took down walls some 24 feet thick, and proceeded to knock down Junker castles.]

1598

His most successful, Johann Georg passes. The nation mourns his loss as he has been the greatest of leaders. Joachim Friedrich is now Kaiser and I expect great things from this man. Carnolia is finally beseiged and is pacified. The Edict of Tolerence is passed on May 1st and we see a great number of Reformed Catholic nations return to Catholicism but we could not care less. Carnolia revolts again followed by Salzburg. Felipe III, King of Castille, etc. is elected Holy Roman Emperor. We are annoyed to see him build troops in Luxembourg and march them to Oldenburg for pick up by the Spanish navy.

1599

Odenburg rebels as does Thuringen and Lorraine soon after. Thuringen is lost to rebel scum. The army expands though this period as the keep large numbers of troops in rebellious provinces. Ostmarch revolts twice but they are brutally put down. Our cooperation with the Dutch continues as we learn to armor the masts of our few warships (Naval tech 14).

1600

Our traders are even more effective as our merchants learn new economic policies (Trade tech 6). Norway (Denmark) war with the Teutonic Order. Damned bloodthirsty Norse are as bad as we are, I swear! I spend time drafting new governmental policies with the Kaiser which are very highly regarded (event). Unfortunately, the rebels of Austria use these policies as reason to rebel in Carnolia.

1601

Cologne rebels and Sweden decides to war with Norway (Denmark) again. England, Netherlands, Scotland support and though I have my misgiving Prussia also supports Sweden. This news prompts Cologne to revolt again and then France (Poland-Lithuania, Finland, Knights, Papal States) sensing weakness in Prussia declare war. We call for our allies and they all reply. We immediately plan for a two front war. Wurtemburg, fearing annexation, declares war on us as well. We decline to call against this minor state insuring that we will indeed annex them as they feared. We sign peace with Norway (Denmark) for 26d. Better that then a three front war. Nov 14th sees Presburg fall to siege and Masovia is marched on to force our claim on Presburg. Venice (Greece, Moldovia, Serbia, and Russia) see this as an opportunity and declares war. We once again call for our allies and are answered.

1602

Masovia falls in January and we ask only for Presburg, wanting to end a two front war. Cologne revolts but our Dutch allies put it down for us. Lorraine is attacked first by France (30k+) and then by Papal forces (40k+). Colonel Pankow and his 20,000 man infantry army with perhaps 2,000 cavalry and with ample cannon, handily defeats both in the forested terrain causing large losses among these 50/50 armies. France decides Lorraine is not worth assaulting and marches to Tyrol to reduce the Dutch holding there. I am forced to fight army after army as I relieve the siege of Istria. The terrible terrain favors my mainly infantry army with cannon and we butcher these armies completely. With no opposing armies in sight, I move my army to Venice to put them out of this war. Wurtemburg has been slowly worn down and the walls are a wreck (-6) so an assault is called and they fall Dec. 23rd. This is followed by terms for the incorporation of this nation into Prussia. France and her allies are alone and we begin the invasion of French territories. I move to Helvetia and another army from Alsace (which had been taken earlier) moves to Nivernais. The Kaiser and I agree that we wish Alsace and Helvetia in the peace negotiations.

1603

The year starts with colonial forces burning Santee. This has been a blot in Prussia America for quite some time. This force begins the long march to Manhattan. Kleves's fortress is improved as we stole engineering knowledge from Greek forces in Istria (event). France offers Alsace to us for peace after I take Helvetia but we refuse. We don't wish to allow the French a mountainous fortified area as our border. We wish to see the French have to defend against us from their open plains and farmlands. Colonel Pankow marches to Champagne and begins a siege. I try to advance to Lyonnais but instead break a pair of French reinforcements. Portugal (Morocco) declares war. This is annoying as we have no way to strike back at them. I manage to besiege Lyonnais and Nivernais falls June 8th. Lyonnais falls July 14th. Manhattan was also taken. We march on to Ile de France from Nivernais and offer peace to France which would cede us Alsace and Helvetia. These terms are acceptable to France. We buy off Portugal for 500d and peace reigns once again in Europe. We have humbled the French and have weaken their frontier with us. We also put a trade post in Santee to prevent others from doing the same. Before leaving Manhattan, their leader orders the Indians attacked but we are not allowed to fight them so they instead take over the colony from the French settlers. The Kaiser was highly bemused by this incidient. Neu Silesia (Santee) founded.

1604

Carnolia revolts. We develop the useful deployment of Fireships (Naval tech 15). Austria and Carnolia revolts, when will they be pacified? We further develop naval technology with Improved Rigging (Naval tech 16). The army is continually expanded as well and six armies are established.

1605

A quiet year, the first one in ages and we are thankful for it. Russia did manage to annex the Teutonic Order and now Prussian and Russian troops stare at each other warily across the Dvina.

1606

Our first Shipyard is ordered in Bremen.

Tax Income: 67 (1.25) 84.2 Goods Production: 82 (.50) 41.0
Trading Income: 56 (.65) 37.2 Gold Mines: 23.9 Total: 186.3 Inflation: 0%

 

[unmerged(21523)]

I have now have a bit of space and have a port on the Mediterranean and easy access to Venice to knock them out of badboy wars. At this point, I am troubled by the Franco-Polish alliance. It's that age old German problem, the two-front war.

Ahh, brings back memories, 2 front BB wars. In my present game as France, the BB wars are much duller affairs, as there's no one to invade from the west and DOWs from Helvetia and the Netherlands don't exactly scare me. I also miss invading Venice, they were weak yet warlike. Either way, look forward to more.