17th century

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

As already staed, the Netherlands declared war upon us, both of us now accept that a state of war exists between us. If you also want war, simply state so, simply more fools to die needlessly.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Decisions needed: BRANDENBURG, POLAND, VENICE

[SwordsMaster]

To Poland:

Do not declare war on us! Remember the treaties, and the regions I have given you!

Poland has a mutual protection treaty with Spain. Which you should have perhaps considered before throwing yourself into the war...

[Warluster]

Poland also has a treaty with us not to go to war with Brandenburg, and we also have given Poland other things, such as land.

[Marshal Murat]

King Sigismund III announcement to the righteous Sejm

We in the Commonwealth has been cut off from regular contact with the outside world as of late (OOC:I said I was going to be out from the 19th-27th or something.) We fear witchcraft has prevented word from reaching the realm of Poland.


As such, we fear that this encroaching war has forced us to decide many issues. In light of these difficult issues, we ask that the Sejm reply to my requests as soon as possible.
(Legio, could you provide Sejm replies so I can get my footing?)

1.Treaties with His Catholic Majesty of Spain.
2.Treaty of Peace with the Ruler of Brandenburg
3. Feelings on dissolving of either, both, neither, or honorance of such treaties.
4. Neutrality in this rising conflict

My rule is based on the peoples decrees, and I ask that the Sejm reply as swiftly as possible on those four topics, so I may carry out the wishes of the people. I would hesitate to take any belligerent action for or against any nation in Europe.

[Incongruous]

The German Government

The Kaiser hope that the people of Poland remember the recent brotherhood in arms we shared while fighting a common enemy in the name of the Faith.

[Warluster]

When was that? 'Bortherhood in arms' 'in name of the faith' , don't make me laugh, you have never fought for your faith, only your lust for power! You have never been in a brotherhood of arms, only when you have some powerlusting plan forming.

[Lord Winter]

Sweden would also like to remine poland that it is in Polands best interest to stay nuterual. We would hate for the polish to lose a second war with the glourious swedish army.

[Marshal Murat]

We in Poland are insulted by this Swedish bluff. Only the war with the Ottomans prevented us from bringing the full might of the Polish army against you! Even then, the war resulted in at best a draw. Do not remind me of what I should or should not be doing! If you Swedes had any guts, you would be sitting in Warsaw, doing what you say, instead of insulting me by offering suggestions that border on the rude and obnoxious.

Were it not for Denmark's wise words and calm actions that your army was not destroyed in Poland.

Denmark, Netherlands, England. Restrain this northern mongrel before he drives the Polish Eagle to the Catholics!
I cannot honor any treaties until the Sejm produces to me their feelings. Until such time, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is neutral, and unless there is violent action by any party against us, we will remain as such.

We will join whatever side the Sejm deems the correct side for the welfare of this Commonwealth.

Watch your words Swede, else they drain out your head and be dumbfounded for lack of them.

[IrishArmenian]

Now, now, Sigismund.
The Swedes are technically superior--possibly the most in all of Europe.
I do think you are overreacting. This sabre-rattling needs to stop!
Sweden does have an advantage: You need your navy to go on the attack, which the Swedes have taken precautions against (superior naval power); they have the most advanced weaponry in Europe and they have proper training with said weaponry. Cavalry looses its advantages in urban areas, so I cannot see your hussars defending or attacking cities too well.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We hope that the Sejm do remember our past battles faught together.

[Franconicus]

Decisions needed: BRANDENBURG, POLAND, VENICE

You mean that they prevented Legio from writing the next chapter last weekend? If the tiny little counties of Brandenburg and Venice are not able to make their decisions in an apropriate time, there might be another one to do it for them!

Poland, do you see the disadvantage of any form of democracy?

[Incongruous]

I have to admit, that it is rather annoying. But such is life in war torn Europe

[SwordsMaster]

Hmm. I am guessing the Doge's messengers are trapped in the Siege of Venice.

The Duke of Brandemburg is most likely so busy packing to flee Berlin that he forgot to send them....

And, of course the Sejm will remember Brandemburg's past rebelliousness and the several sedish wars, and the opportunity that is presented to them with the possibility of combining some of the finest german and spanish infantry in Europe with the finest polish cavalry to create a powerful force that will throw the Swedish garrison of Riga into the sea, and take back the ancient Polish lands around the Baltic.

The Sejm can also think that the True Religion will be better served, and the the salvation of their souls will be closer, and the the Pope will adhere to this struggle against the spread of heresy.

Besides, HMCIM wishes to mention the financial benefits in breaking the Danish-Swedish dominance of the Baltic searoutes both for the HRE and Poland. Polish grain could be sold anywhere in world if the greedy danish and swedish pirates didn't keep Poland and the HRE landlocked.

[Franconicus]

:france:
We understand the worries of our Spanish borther. We can put him to ease. French merchant ships are operating in the Baltic Sea and if our brother Phillipe wants them to transport grain to Spain or one of her colonies they will be glad to support him.

[SwordsMaster]

:france:
We understand the worries of our Spanish borther. We can put him to ease. French merchant ships are operating in the Baltic Sea and if our brother Phillipe wants them to transport grain to Spain or one of her colonies they will be glad to support him.

HMCIM thanks his brother Louis and might take him up on the offer at a later stage.

[Incongruous]

Perhaps our German troops were to eagre to see if Venetians did wear perfume. Thus have captured tye messengers and are now using them as a point of amusemnt in the camp?

Of coarse we all know Venetians wear perfume, by god, we can smell them from Vienna sometimes!

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

We wonder was his Imperial majesty is thinking of his role as saviour of Catholism,when he has been slaughtering the North Italian Catholics mercilesly to fullfill his political ambitions. We would be intrested to hear Popes thoughts on that. Other countries should not be fooled by the Spanish schemes to make this war look like a war of religion. This war is about some of us trying to prevent Spanish plans on hegemony over Europe and making all the other countries their mere vassals. Let it there be no mistake.Spain will remain as the friend of the other Catholic countries only as long it suits the Spanish hegemonic plans.

[SwordsMaster]

Netherlands

We wonder was his Imperial majesty is thinking of his role as saviour of Catholism,when he has been slaughtering the North Italian Catholics mercilesly to fullfill his political ambitions. We would be intrested to hear Popes thoughts on that. Other countries should not be fooled by the Spanish schemes to make this war look like a war of religion. This war is about some of us trying to prevent Spanish plans on hegemony over Europe and making all the other countries their mere vassals. Let it there be no mistake.Spain will remain as the friend of the other Catholic countries only as long it suits the Spanish hegemonic plans.

Th Stadtholder perhaps forgets that Spain had not started this war. And that the religious allignments of the participants are "coincidentally" clearly defined and antagonistic. So who started a war of religion?

As of the spanish plans for expansion, again, the Stadtholder might want to explain himself and provide proof for his accusations. Spain has not expanded its european borders at all since 1609 merely exchanging the territories in the Netherlands for the ones in Italy, and the Netherlands are the nation that has benefitted from it most, since they have recovered the South peacefully.

So if anyone does not have a cassus belli on Spain is the Netherlands.

What Spanish hegemony are you talking about Stadtholder?

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

Ofcourse we can explain you what we base these things on.First.Spain invaded Genoa without declaring war and took it under its control. We think that this happened after 1609. How can you say that you havent conquered European lands when this shows that you infact have? To us this clearly shows that Spain is agressive and have ambitions to rule over other Catholics in Europe.
Second Spain conquered the Colony of Denmark without declaring war. This shows that Spain is agressive on its colonial policy and doesnt concern itself with rights of others. Can Spain deny either of these facts?
About the War. Spain went to war with Netherlands ally Venice. So we had complete casus belli. We are happy that England and Denmark joined this war and now we will see how it will turn out.
So please Spanish Emperor. Show us how this war is about religion,when its completely about creating a normal balance to Europe, by controlling the expansionism of Spain.

[Franconicus]

The Genoa conflict has dynastic roots. Therefore I assume it is only business of those, that are related to the Medici. I think that the Spanish monarch only failed in explaining that correctly.

If Genoa is the cause or pretences for the war of the netherlands and their allies, then I think I can invite him to have a conference with all Medici branches at Paris where we can settle this conflict.

[SwordsMaster]

Netherlands

Ofcourse we can explain you what we base these things on.First.Spain invaded Genoa without declaring war and took it under its control. We think that this happened after 1609. How can you say that you havent conquered European lands when this shows that you infact have? To us this clearly shows that Spain is agressive and have ambitions to rule over other Catholics in Europe.
Second Spain conquered the Colony of Denmark without declaring war. This shows that Spain is agressive on its colonial policy and doesnt concern itself with rights of others. Can Spain deny either of these facts?
About the War. Spain went to war with Netherlands ally Venice. So we had complete casus belli. We are happy that England and Denmark joined this war and now we will see how it will turn out.
So please Spanish Emperor. Show us how this war is about religion,when its completely about creating a normal balance to Europe, by controlling the expansionism of Spain.

Spain shifted its base of power from the North to the Mediterranean, where the Netherlands have no interests whatsoever. Spain gave up her Belgian posessions, and therefore the territory controlled in Europe has not increased even after the expansion in N. Italy.

The Danish colony was returned to Denmark and the issue was settled diplomatically.

Spain was attacked by Venice, without declaration of war, and the fact that the Netherlands support that kind of behaviour speaks for itself.

It is ironic how the Netherlands who have almost duplicated their territory at the expense of Spain and the HRE, now are trying to restrict someone else's expansionism. I wonder if your allies see the irony.

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

Shifted your power base to Mediterranian? And that makes it acceptable to conquer other Nations,like Genoa? About our lands.As we recall we payed you dearly with money and colonies to free our brothers from you. When it comes to the areas we conquered from Holy Roman Empire. We took it by force after the late Emperor declared us war,while we were trying to meditate the crisis back then.
So please tell us what is questionable in these methods?

[SwordsMaster]

Netherlands

Shifted your power base to Mediterranian? And that makes it acceptable to conquer other Nations,like Genoa? About our lands.As we recall we payed you dearly with money and colonies to free our brothers from you. When it comes to the areas we conquered from Holy Roman Empire. We took it by force after the late Emperor declared us war,while we were trying to meditate the crisis back then.
So please tell us what is questionable in these methods?

I do not question the methods. I question the hypocrisy of the fact that you are accusing Spain of expansionism, while you have duplicated your territory in less than 10 years without intervention and any other nation pretending to stop your own expansionism.

Genoa, is not a nation, but a territory belonging by right of inheritance to Marie of Medici who asked the Emperor to have her interests defended. What kind of man would deny her rights to a woman? Would the stadtholder?

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

As we are aware,Genoa is not an area its an independent city state,not ruled by Maria Medici.Atleast the Genoese didnt want so. Neither did the other Medicis that were supported by the Genoan Republic,who France is now protecting. After Spain decided to take over Genoa using Maria Medici as excuse.

[SwordsMaster]

Netherlands

As we are aware,Genoa is not an area its an independent city state,not ruled by Maria Medici.Atleast the Genoese didnt want so. Neither did the other Medicis that were supported by the Genoan Republic,who France is now protecting. After Spain decided to take over Genoa using Maria Medici as excuse.

The Dutch who have no involvement or interests in the area, are of course allowed to stick to their version, but reality, as always, is more complex. Yet since we are at war and all this talk seems like a Dutch attempt to bully Spain into something, HMCIM wishes to know what exactly does the Stadtholder want of Spain? To disband the spanish fleet? Give up the colonies? swear allegiance to the Stadtholder? What is it that the Stadtholder expects to gain? Or did he start the war without a purpose, just to see his and spanish men die?

[Franconicus]

:france:
Lords, do you really think that it is appropriate to discuss the family affairs of the Medici - which is also the familiy of the French king - in public? I hope you don't!

To the stadtholder: Is your goal to stop the Spanish military presence at Genoa?

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

We apologise the King of France and leave the commenting Medici affairs be.As we stated earlier. That issue was one of the reasons we saw that this war was necessary. The goals of the war are within the coalition and we cant comment those at this point. What we can say is that what we sayed earlier. The goal is to seek stability between power of European countries,so the threat of Spanish hegemony will pass.Like Denmark and England have also stated.

[SwordsMaster]

Netherlands

We apologise the King of France and leave the commenting Medici affairs be.As we stated earlier. That issue was one of the reasons we saw that this war was necessary. The goals of the war are within the coalition and we cant comment those at this point. What we can say is that what we sayed earlier. The goal is to seek stability between power of European countries,so the threat of Spanish hegemony will pass.Like Denmark and England have also stated.

But what are your conditions to make peace? If I were to negotiate peace, what conditions would you impose on Spain?

If I were to surrender, what would your conditions be?

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

While we dont see Emperor of Spain surrendering this moment.We can come back to those terms after the season is over. As we wage war as coalition,Netherlands will not set individual terms of peace without consulting its allies.

[Franconicus]

:france:
I hear you! The stadtholder and his allies have a common enemy, but they do not have common reasons for this war.

[Incongruous]

The Kaiser.

You do know that this war will be the end of Brandenburg do you not? It shall be stripped of it's independance, perhaps it's title of Election. Of coarse a loyal Protestant shall be set up to rule.

We also make it clear that we shall conquer as much of the Netherlands as possible, we shall destroy you as a power in Europe.

Of caorse this can be avoided if you and you're allies return to Germany it's lost lands.

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

We will keep that in mind Kaiser.

[Kagemusha]

So who hasnt still posted their decisions? We are four days now past the deadline.:smash:

[SwordsMaster]

Netherlands

While we dont see Emperor of Spain surrendering this moment.We can come back to those terms after the season is over. As we wage war as coalition,Netherlands will not set individual terms of peace without consulting its allies.

I would like you to consult your allies then, Stadtholder. It would be a sad day for our soldiers if you were waging war without a reason or a casus belli, just because of your bloodthirsty nature.

OOC: BTW, this admission of no objective for the war would normally generate quite a bit of unrest in one's army...

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

Spain.How many times we have to tell you our casus belli. We dont like to repeat ourselves constantly. Your last question was about the terms of peace and you take it as answer for casus belli.Please read our messages. Also to France,if we tell you that we will consult our allies on the peace terms,does that mean we have different casus belli then our allies? Did we have same peace terms with you on the last war with Germany? No and that doesnt have anything to do with the reasons for that war.

OOC: Swordsmaster,do you really think that the Dutch would be negative against war on Spain.After hundreds of years of tyranny and exploitation,im sure they would be happy to get their hands on the Spanish,who have caused so much grief to them in the past.

[Franconicus]

... Also to France,if we tell you that we will consult our allies on the peace terms,does that mean we have different casus belli then our allies? Did we have same peace terms with you on the last war with Germany?
That is a different story! We were no allies, were we?

[Kagemusha]

OOC: Franc, i dont understand that logig at all. Allies cant consult each other on peace terms? What do we know about the demands of lets say England or Denmark,without asking them? And what that does have to do with the casus belli?:dizzy2:

[SwordsMaster]

OOC: Swordsmaster,do you really think that the Dutch would be negative against war on Spain.After hundreds of years of tyranny and exploitation,im sure they would be happy to get their hands on the Spanish,who have caused so much grief to them in the past.

Wow, wow, kage, hold your horses. Hundreds of years? It has been one hundred years at most and not even that much since Charles V inherited them in 1516...


IC: The Dutch have no cause for war on Spain whatsoever, since Spain have returned you the south. What other claims can you possibly lay on Spain?

England and Denmark can have their reasons, but what is your reason for war? Or is there none? Maybe you wish to sacrifice the lives of your men for no purpose at all? Will they follow you and risk the destruction of their homes for no reason?

Spain has not threatened the Netherlands in any way, so why would the Netherlands wish to threaten Spain?

[Kagemusha]

OOC: Swordsmaster,this is getting rather boring. We can go to war against you perfectly legally anytime when you are at war against one of our allies. You can twist that as much as you like,but you cant get around that. The terms of peace and the reason for war are two completely different things as far as i know.

[SwordsMaster]

OOC: Swordsmaster,this is getting rather boring. We can go to war against you perfectly legally anytime when you are at war against one of our allies. You can twist that as much as you like,but you cant get around that. The terms of peace and the reason for war are two completely different things as far as i know.

My point is that a country goes to war to achieve something, if you have no target to achieve, then maybe you shouldn't go to war, and since Spain has not threatened Dutch interests, i can see nothing that you could possibly achieve from a war with Spain...

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

One last time Spain. We already told you that our goal in this war is to get rid of the threat of Spanish Hegemony in Europe and Colonies. We have already told you in what we base our standing why we feel such threat is posed to other countries.

[Franconicus]

As I said before:
If you want to talk, talk! If you want to fight, fight!

[Incongruous]

OOC:
Good God, this is annoying, who has yet to post their decisions?

[IrishArmenian]

There was never this much bickering with the Polish conflict, and yet I am disposed.
We are amused by the irony.

[SwordsMaster]

OOC:
Good God, this is annoying, who has yet to post their decisions?

Indeed.:whip:

[Rodion Romanovich]

Only Venice left now. If it takes too long (later than this Friday), Venice will be a dice this turn.

[Incongruous]

Now do the Netherlands understand why we wish to get rid of Venice!:laugh4:

[Kagemusha]

Kaiser,Maybe if your siege on Venice wasnt so airtight,we should be able to get their messages.:clown:

[SwordsMaster]

Hmm... So when can we expect the next chapter? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? :beam:

[Incongruous]

Gah, this more of an innactive history than an interactive one!
GAH!

[Rodion Romanovich]

I'm afraid it's impossible to make it any faster with so many players. I have all decisions now though, so I just have the writing left.

[Incongruous]

No I'm not blaming you, merley stating that it is annoying that although we have a deadline, some don't conform to it.
Damned Rebels!

[Rodion Romanovich]

I wasn't accusing you of blaming me :daisy: And I agree that the deadline should be a hard deadline in the future. However perhaps there can't be more than 1 chapter per 2 weeks anyway, because of my current workload. The fastest theoretically possible I think would be 1 chapter per week.

[Marshal Murat]

OOC:I did post that I was going to be absent or very scarce around these parts for something of a week. When I looked around, everyone was bugging out! Do I need to write it in size 8 or 9 for you to read it!?

[Rodion Romanovich]

CHAPTER 16 - it is now: August 1st, 1616 AD
...the decisions made will affect the events from August 1st, 1616 AD to March 1st, 1617 AD

In the Holy Roman Empire, the revolt continues. Brandenburg declares war on the Emperor and joins the side of the Protestant union, immediately sending 5,000 troops to reinforce the defense of Magdeburg. They arrive before the Kaiser's reinforcements of another 5,000, and for several crucial months manage to prevent Magdeburg from falling. Tilly's 24,000 men are forced to retreat in face of opposition of only 19,000 men due to the simultaneously threatened supply. In mid-November, the Spanish army from Vienna arrives, but is unable to launch any operations in the first few weeks due to autumn rains which have dissolved the roads. When operations continue, Tilly and Spinola agree to send Tilly to besiege Magdeburg again and then, regardless of whether he succeeds or fails at capturing the city, move southwest to secure the threatened supply from the south by advancing into Hesse-Kassel, while Spinola advances towards Potsdam and Berlin. The siege of Magdeburg begins in the second week of December. The garrison has been reinforced a lot and the damages done earlier in the autumn have mostly been repaired. Tilly is also unable to bring sufficient numbers of cannons in the first few weeks, and the mild winter has left the ground decomposed and soft, and difficult for an assault. Meanwhile, Spinola's advance towards Potsdam and Berlin is made increasingly difficult by the Protestant raids on the supply lines to the south of Magdeburg, which are starting to give both armies supply problems. In order to gather the needed supplies and avoid further delays in the advance, he is forced to order the army to forage and pillage to gather the needed supplies. The Protestant Union main army has retreated northeast towards Potsdam and Berlin, avoiding battle. Soon the Spanish army has lost almost 500 men, and Tilly has lost another 800. The Spanish army despite the supply problems doesn't retreat and tries to bring the Protestant force into a decisive battle by threatening Potsdam. The Protestant army takes the bait and engages Spinola in battle outside Potsdam. They suffer an inevitable defeat against the numerally superior and more professional tercios and Spinola's cavalry superiority. As the battle ends, Spinola is believed to have a little less than 24,000 troops left, while the Protestant army has probably been reduced to a little over 17,000. In December, Tilly abandons the siege of Magdeburg and instead advances into the lightly defended Hesse-Kassel. The city of Kassel is strongly fortified but weakly garrisoned, and he manages to capture it at the cost of nearly 2,000 men in an aggressive siege and assault. Hearing that Spinola has managed to weaken the opposing army in battle and isn't dangerously outnumbered, he continues southeast with his entire force in order to secure the supply lines and replace losses, rather than reinforce Spinola. However, the failure to capture Magdeburg still threatens Spinola's supply situation. Meanwhile to the south, the Catholic League has begun a siege of Württemberg with 10,000 men. At the end of the year, rumors reach Spinola that a Swedish army has landed near Stralsund, and has begun a forced march south along the Elbe. The weather has struck the Swedish army in the same way as the Spanish, and delays the advance, buying important time for Spinola, who in face of the superior numbers and supply problems to the south, abandons both the siege of Potsdam and the pursuit of the routed Protestant Union army, and withdraws towards the camp in Anhalt without having made any territorial gains. The Swedish army links up with the remaining Protestant forces near Magdeburg, forming a Swedish camp at the city. In February, they continue south towards Spinola's position.
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/6144/hre16162sn7.th.jpg (https://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hre16162sn7.jpg)

The situation worsens for the Venetians, as the besiegers make progress against the small garrison, whose supply has now also been disrupted. The Venetian fleet is more successful this time, reaching the Adriatic Sea just in time to intercept the numerally inferior Spanish task force that sailed up to Venice during the summer. The Spanish fleet tries to avoid the engagement as their numbers are inferior and the force is a mix of higher-quality ships and older galleons. The Spanish heavier ships deal devastating damage to the Venetians throughout the engagement, but the Venetian ship quality is more evenly distributed over the line and they soon put several galleons out of action, effectively reducing the Spanish firepower and leaving a smaller and smaller core of larger ships against the not quite as quickly decreasing Venetian line. 3 galleons and 1 modern warship are sunk, 2 start listing heavily and a 6th ship is hit in the rig and masts, bringing it off course. Meanwhile 2 Venetian ships have been sunk by the volleys from the Spanish heavier ships, another 5 severely damaged with 1 of them listing dangerously, while many other have lost several crewmen. As the Spanish line loses an increasing amount of their lighter ships, the Venetian ships start trying to outmanouver the slower Spanish line that remains. The Spanish flagship takes several hits near the waterline and another impact causes the ammunition storage to explode. Seeing this, the remaining Spanish ships break off the engagement and retreat in disarray. The Spanish ships are fast enough to be able to escape the Venetian pursuit, and the latter eventually break off and continue up the Adriatic Sea and manage to sink 1 Spanish troop transport ship in open sea, and 2 merchants transporting supplies. They reach Venice in early November and are able to again open the naval supply. However, the besieging force has already damaged the defenses and with numeral superiority penetrate the city before the end of December, the Doge fleeing by sea as the city falls. The Spanish hand over garrisoning of the city to the Emperor, and continue with the Spanish troops towards Florence, where the Venetian-Florentine army has reinforced their position and prepared for siege defense. The Spanish put Florence under siege in the hope of bringing the opposing field army to battle, but fail to lure them into battle during the winter. In February, the Spanish fleet sails up the Adriatic sea again, this time with 28 galleons and 14 higher-quality warships, against the Venetian 17 higher-quality warships and 30 galleys. All the Spanish forces from Cyprus and Greece have landed in Southern Italy before the end of January, and begin marching north to reinforce the northern Spanish army in its operations against Florence.

At Gibraltar, the Protestant forces continue advancing up the coast, defeating a small garrison further up the coast before winter. The Spanish response to the Protestant operation begins in September, with almost the entire strength of the Spanish National Guard, 30,000 men, commencing operations against the Protestant Coalition forces. They manage to throw out the Protestant forces from the newly captured coastal position with relative ease, but with the heavy bombardment from the naval forces outside are unable to recapture the fortifications of Gibraltar. They try to build up a large battery on the shore to force the fleet back, but the cannons reach too short to push back the fleet far enough, and are too few to be brought further forward without risking to end up under massive bombardment from many times more guns on the ships. The Coalition allows safe passage of all non-Spanish ships without interfering with them. The Spanish take advantage of this and diguise Spanish fireships as non-Spanish merchants in order to get close with the element of surprise. The first Spanish fireships manage to sink an English warship and damage 2 other, but the remaining ones arrive with worsetiming and are blown up before getting close to the fleet. Some disorder and collissions are ensue in the mess, but the majority of the fleet remains intact.

In Ireland, the British begin operations against Cork. They do not assault the city despite superior numbers, but instead give an ultimatum to the defenders and put the city under siege. Unless they surrender before next summer, the city will be levelled and the population deported to the colonies.

In the Americas, English warships carry out limited raids against Spanish warships and land installations. The Spanish shore batteries are of high quality and inflict damage on some of the British ships, but no ships are sunk. In the absence of larger Spanish naval forces, the English commander conquers several strategic positions in the West Indies with naval landings.

In the East Indies, the Spanish East India Company is brought into the war, temporarily causing Spanish advantage in the region. The Dutch East India Company however quickly responds to this manouvre by joining the war too. The Dutch EIC and Dutch soldiers advance well in the Phillippines. All over the region, the Spanish manage to capture 3 Dutch merchants, 1 Danish merchant and sink 2 warships, but they also lose 1 warship and the Spanish EIC loses 5 armed merchants, the Dutch East India Company loses 1 lighter ship. On the West African Coast, a Spanish task force manages to capture 9 merchant ships belonging to the Coalition countries, and sink another 2 after their refuse to surrender and accept Spanish boardings.

In Madagascar, the Dutch agree to give up their colony and the French transport them and their equipment to the Dutch colony in South Africa. In the Mediterranean, French ships begin an operation against barbary coast pirates. A little less than 7,000 land near Algiers and take the city after bombardment and limited resistance from local garrisons. A secondary landing is carried out near Oran, and meets only weak resistance and manages to capture the city. The French garrisons fortify their positions and with their artillery and warships manage to hold the cities against the local armed forces without too much difficulties, despite their small numbers.

In Russia, Vassili suggests to Wladyslaw a peace in the form of joint rule between Wladyslaw and Vassili. Wladyslaw agrees to negotiate the matter, under the condition that the terms of such a join rule are made clear and fair. Meanwhile, military operations are temporarily aborted during the winter. Both Wladyslaw and Vassili take advantage of the pause in the fighting by refreshing and resupplying the troops and fortifying their positions. The boyars are hesitant to the suggestion of joint rule, fearing that it could undermine the position of the Duma, and also require a major part in the negotiations. Around 45% of Wladyslaw's army is funded by the boyars.

In the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, peace with all the former enemies is celebrated, and the taxes returned to normal levels by the Sejm. The King announces an end to the Commonwealth's protector status over the Don Cossacks.



BRANDENBURG

1. military plans, coordinate especially with the Swedish, and you can also PM the Protestant Union (me)


ENGLAND

1. plans for the Spanish war


FRANCE

1. the operations on the Northwest African coast. How will they continue and how large will the garrisons be? How will the conquest affect the local population? Taxes? Tolls? Laws? Governor? etc.

2. the war between Spain and the Protestant Coalition. Any intervention?


HRE and AUSTRIA

1. plans for dealing with the revolting Protestants, and the Swedish army? Possibly coordinate with Spain

2. stance in the conflict. Should the HRE declare war on the Dutch, English and Danish now, or should attempts be made at keeping it a conflict only with Sweden, even though it is believed part of the Swedish mercenary force has been funded by these countries too?


NETHERLANDS

1. plans for the Spanish war


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. any plans for intervention in existing conflicts? Or should the armies be thinned out and returned to peace status, to refill the thinned out treasury?

2. any special plans for peacetime projects, army reforms, naval reforms etc?


POLAND

1. intervention in any existing conflict?

2. stance on Wladyslaw's position in Russia. Suggest to Wladyslaw terms of peace with Vassili, or suggest continued war, or maybe intrigue taking advantage of the boyars' position


RUSSIA

1. what to do next? Negotiate with Wladyslaw (me), and possibly give military orders as well, or orders for intrigue among the boyars


SPAIN

1. plans for the war with Netherlands, England, Denmark?

2. plans at Florence? Continue the possibly very lengthy siege, or let Florence remain independent for the time being, defend your other cities in the region with large garrisons, and send maybe up to 20,000 troops away from the region to use elsewhere.

3. plans in the HRE? Possibly coordinate with HRE and the Catholic League


SWEDEN

1. military plans in the HRE? Possibly coordinate with the other Protestant Coalition nations


VENICE

1. the Doge has fled and escaped the Adriatic sea, and is somewhere comparatively safe in the Mediterranean, even though Venice fell. What should be done now? Negotiate peace? Order the fleet to try and escape battle with the larger Spanish fleet in the Adriatic sea, and join the Protestant Coalition fleet, or defend the Venetian Eastern Mediterranean possessions?

[Rodion Romanovich]

Re deadline, please discuss the following:
1. how short should the deadlines be? 4 days? 11 days? 18 days?
2. what should be done in case a player doesn't meet the deadline?
I'll set up a poll in a separate thread to find out which policy is preferred after you've suggested some possible policies, unless it turns out you are all in enough agreement that a poll isn't needed.

[Marshal Murat]

Vasili, I admire your reasonable proposition. Poland, as ally of Russia and neighbor, we would like to review the terms so that we can be satisfied that peace will reign on our borders forever more.

[SwordsMaster]

Wait, Legio, i think there has been a mistake in the chapter. Oran belongs to Spain in this period - it is one of the most important spanish outposts on the north african coast and an important galley base against pirates.

[Franconicus]

Legio: Great chapter, great map. Regarding the deadline, I vote for an early one; however, I am not really busy at the moment, so I won't insist!
Legio, could you make an estimation about the fleet strength of the main nations? I do not think that the number of warships can be kept confidential.

SwordMaster: Sorry for this misunderstanding! I sent a recon mission before and I even asked the almighty: there had not been any Spanish around!

[King Kurt]

Franc -
What's your secret - how did you take over some Spanish terriorities without anybody noticing!!!!

As for a deadline - could I suggest Friday this week - what with the holidays any later would mean a lost week. That also gives Legio the weekend etc.

[Kagemusha]

Great chapter Legio!:yes: I agree with Kurt.Friday would be a good deadline.Then Legio would always have the time to write the chapter during weekend.

[Franconicus]

Franc -
What's your secret - how did you take over some Spanish terriorities without anybody noticing!!!!

As for a deadline - could I suggest Friday this week - what with the holidays any later would mean a lost week. That also gives Legio the weekend etc.

My secret? I have several secrets! :laugh4:
First: I have not taken any Spanish territory!
Secundo: I kept my word and started fighting piracy, while everybody else is crazy about sinking merchant ships.
Terzio: I did a proper preparation including reconnaisance. As I stated before, I made it absolutly sure that there were no Spanish, French, Dutch, Danish, Turkish or whatever soldiers around.

Corollary:
I said I would protect neutral ships in the western Med.! That is what I do!

By the way, how is your war doing? Now that Sweden joined, I am the only neutral nation.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Wait, Legio, i think there has been a mistake in the chapter. Oran belongs to Spain in this period - it is one of the most important spanish outposts on the north african coast and an important galley base against pirates.
Oh indeed a mistake, I must apologize. That was actually one of the things of my list to check up, but I somehow missed it and gave an incorrect reply ~:(

[Franconicus]

Oh indeed a mistake, I must apologize. That was actually one of the things of my list to check up, but I somehow missed it and gave an incorrect reply ~:(

Don't worry, we will fix that problem.

This is my proposal:
The French forces attacked a pirate base 30 km east of Oran. Its smaler and less protected, casualties are lower.


In the Mediterranean, French ships begin an operation against barbary coast pirates. A little less than 7,000 land near Algiers and take the city after bombardment and limited resistance from local garrisons. A secondary landing is carried out in Oran, and meets fiercer resistance but manages to capture the city after losing nearly 900 men. The French garrisons fortify their positions and with their artillery and warships manage to hold the cities against the local armed forces without too much difficulties, despite their small numbers.

If you agree, you could change this into:


In the Mediterranean, French ships begin an operation against barbary coast pirates. A little less than 7,000 land near Algiers and take the city after bombardment and limited resistance from local garrisons. A secondary landing is carried out near Oran, and meets only weak resistance and manages to capture the city. The French garrisons fortify their positions and with their artillery and warships manage to hold the cities against the local armed forces without too much difficulties, despite their small numbers.



:france:
The King of France and the Duke of Savoi are making this announcement:

Louis XIII rewards the Duke of Savoi for his support in the last war with the heritable title Comte de Franche and rights of Franche Comte. The Duke of Savoi and Comte de Franche gave the oath of fealty to the French king. A wedding will be arranged to tie the two families together. The administration and the military organisation of Savoi will be integrated to the French.

Legio, is this correct?

[Rodion Romanovich]

yes, very good :2thumbsup:

[SwordsMaster]

I am also up for the Friday deadline. I think players who have not submitted their actions should have their fate decided by continuing with their previous actions and dice. If they consistently skip the deadline they should be substituted.

Franc: Et tu Brute? :laugh4:

[Marshal Murat]

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth takes offense at France's statement that implicates the Commonwealth in this war. We are not, and ask for an apology.

[Franconicus]

:france:
The French government appologizes in case of offending the king of the commomwealth! The situation at central Europe is very confusing and it is hard to get reliable information. We invite the deputies of the Polish King to discuss the war affairs amoung the peaceloving nations.

[Randarkmaan]

Official announcement from the Ottoman government

His highness the Sultan will not be reachable for a while, the long and hard war has left him tired and he has decided to take a vacation. He does not want to specify where, but it will be a warm and quiet place where he can do some reading and bathe in the water. Because of his absence his tasks in running matters of the state will be performed by the Grand Vizier, Damat Halil Pasha, he is a patient and skilled Armenian, his majesty assures the monarchs of Europe that he will not do anything that his majesty would not do.

OOC: I'm going on an Easter vacation to the mountains, so I won't be reachable, I will be home by sunday or something. But until then Legio can do my decisions, or if he does not have the time (which I suspect he might not), I could "rent out" the Grand Vizier to somebody else for the week, if that is okay with everyone else. I wont be leaving before tomorrow, so if anyone wants a go, they can PM me or maybe post here... If that doesen't crack, well I guess the Vizier will have to be a dice.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Vladimir will be the Sultan, only for this chapter.

[Vladimir]

Since I have spoken to some players via PM to congratulate them on victories and etc, I want to reassure you that none of our conversations will have any affect on In Character actions. :bow:

[Vladimir]

Offical Notice

To celebrate the one year anniversary of the defeat of Spanish troops in Greece, Grand Vizier Damat Halil Pasha will hold a special Assumption of the Virgin festival in our glorious capitol. The purpose of this festival is to honor the loyalty of our Greek citizens and help erase the painful memories and suffering imposed on so many innocents. All pilgrims and travelers will be under the protection of the Sultan’s troops. May the grace of Allah (the merciful and compassionate), the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), and our beloved Sultan be upon you all.

[signed/stamped]
Grand Vizier Damat Halil Pasha
:sultan:

[Disclaimer: I tried to find a significant Greek Orthodox festival that occurs within this chapter’s time frame. For some reason Google isn’t very forthcoming with info on this holiday. Let me know if the coloring is hard to read on your forum skin. Not fore skin you dirty people :viking: ]

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar has sent his envoys and hope for peace in Russia. We shall unite and become a force to be reckoned with!

To the King of Sweden: Dear Ally, I value your friendship, but in the current state I ask you to be diplomatic with Poland. As your ally, I would have to follow you in battle, which would split Russia once again, with Wladyslaw's ties remaining with his family.

[Lord Winter]

The Tsar of Russia,

We are not at war with poland as of now and have no intention to change this. The war against the HRE is purly in the defense of our allies Netherland, denmark and england. We hope poland stays nuetural in this coming conflict as we have no want to spill anymore blood on polish soil.


Offical statement from Sweden
The kingdom of sweden fully supports the efforts for peace in russia and urges poland to use her influnence with the rebel tsar to make sure it becomes a reality.

To Spinnola and his army
Your position is hopeless. Outnumbered two to one you can stand against the modern swedish army. Surrender now, the terms will of course be genourous. All men will be paroled after taking an oath to never fight against the PC, officers will be allowed to keep their side arms and all animals will be returned to the men of the army. I beg you, take this deal so we can limit the blood shed, if not my hand will be forced.

[Marshal Murat]

We in Poland are confused by the Swedes message about the rebel tsar. It is your ability and gravitas that will influence the rebel tsar.

[IrishArmenian]

You are right about one thing, Sigismund, I am not my own man. I am controlled by others, but those others are the Russian people.
You confuse my loyalty to my allies with dependence, which is an honest mistake.
King of Poland, he was just suggesting that you advise your son to make peace.
I am sure he makes his own decisions but any man values his father's council...unless his father is Cat...no matter!

That last clause is a jest.

[Incongruous]

The Tsar of Russia,

We are not at war with poland as of now and have no intention to change this. The war against the HRE is purly in the defense of our allies Netherland, denmark and england. We hope poland stays nuetural in this coming conflict as we have no want to spill anymore blood on polish soil.


Offical statement from Sweden
The kingdom of sweden fully supports the efforts for peace in russia and urges poland to use her influnence with the rebel tsar to make sure it becomes a reality.

To Spinnola and his army
Your position is hopeless. Outnumbered two to one you can stand against the modern swedish army. Surrender now, the terms will of course be genourous. All men will be paroled after taking an oath to never fight against the PC, officers will be allowed to keep their side arms and all animals will be returned to the men of the army. I beg you, take this deal so we can limit the blood shed, if not my hand will be forced.

The German Emperor.

King os Sweden, we wish to know how you believe our position to be hopeless? Perhaps you have lost the stomach to stand up for you're beliefs.

[Marshal Murat]

Ah Russian Tsar, a good joke! You, controlled by the people! Your only controlled by how many people would give their lives for your cause. Now that you see that it is hopeless, you try to return to the pre-bellum situation, a situation everyone was willing to accept. Then you decided to run away to Nizny Novogrod, and fight this war against the true Tsar of Russia, and since you are losing, you are covering your pride and taking a position you had before.

Now let me see these terms, so that I may not find them unsatisfactory and be forced to protect my borders again. This petty bickering makes it very droll, and your attempts to continue to be a bear is almost disgusting.

[SwordsMaster]

HMCIM Philippe of Spain is disappointed in the lack of support of Poland and even in the lack of reply to his PMs. He would like to know the reason for such stubborn silence.


To Spinnola and his army
Your position is hopeless. Outnumbered two to one you can stand against the modern swedish army. Surrender now, the terms will of course be genourous. All men will be paroled after taking an oath to never fight against the PC, officers will be allowed to keep their side arms and all animals will be returned to the men of the army. I beg you, take this deal so we can limit the blood shed, if not my hand will be forced.


I believe the swedish optimism overshoots their limitations.

[Vladimir]

I am also up for the Friday deadline. I think players who have not submitted their actions should have their fate decided by continuing with their previous actions and dice. If they consistently skip the deadline they should be substituted.

Franc: Et tu Brute? :laugh4:

Deadline for submissions? Are we operating on GMT or Eastern US?

[Marshal Murat]

The Polish Commonwealth is experiencing peace. We are not looking for conflict, and while we would gladly come to the aid of my Catholic brothers, I fear religious turmoil and anger by the nobles of the Commonwealth if I were to intervene, and honor some treaties while I would break others.

If the Sejm (Legio) would like to express their views for or against the Commonwealth's involvement, then I would appreciate them, but I say now that peace is my goal for this year, and I hope to pursue it, and bring fertile lands to the people.

[Incongruous]

The German Kaiser.

We respect you're wishes for peace good king and friend. I to wished peace, yet it seems the Protestants want more of Germany. We of coarse shall always remember you're help in the Crusade.

However, we know that you shall mourn the fact that you gained no further glory. May you prevail in you're good governance against those that wish you destroyed.

Ferdinand von Hapsburg.

[Lord Winter]

HMCIM Philippe of Spain is disappointed in the lack of support of Poland and even in the lack of reply to his PMs. He would like to know the reason for such stubborn silence.



I believe the swedish optimism overshoots their limitations.
I belive that Spinnolia can read a map. 2:1 are impossiable odds for any army.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Deadline for submissions? Are we operating on GMT or Eastern US?
Doesn't matter, as long as it's at least the correct day.

[IrishArmenian]

Sigismund,
I advise you not to insult he who asks for peace.

[Marshal Murat]

You are not asking peace from me, you are asking that from Wladyslaw. I ask that I see the document so I can approve of it, or suggest some additions or alterations. I am concerned about my borders, and this would be of great interest, since my first few years of warfare were in preserving the peace along this border. If I were to neglect this border when peace can be resumed, and it would be a threat to my national interests, I would not be thinking of the hundreds of Poles fighting for the Catholics of Smolensk, and freeing the boyars to vote as they will, to decide policy, and involve themselves in their government, and provide a more popular and productive government.
Do not tell me what I am or am not to do. If you would persist in this, then I may well advise you on matters of rebel Russian state, something I would be ignorant of.

I tell you once. Please produce this peace document, so that all the world can see what you are suggesting, and so that I can rest safe in my bed, knowing that Russia is governed by a fair and just rulers, not by a madman.

[IrishArmenian]

"...my first few years of warfare were in preserving the peace along this border."
What is that? Do you even know what you're saying?
You Catholics seem so prone to war.
You say "fighting for Smolensk" like it hasn't been inhabited by honest, Orthodox Russians for generations.

[Randarkmaan]

His highness, Sultan Ahmad I, great ruler of the West and East and majestic Caliph of Islam has returned from his vacation to pick up the heavy burden of his duties again.

[Kagemusha]

Wellcome back Sultan.~:) Its pretty silent.I think Legio is writing the next chapter.:yes:

[Vladimir]

I've ran out of fingernail and my digits are in severe peril.

[Rodion Romanovich]

CHAPTER 17 - it is now: March 1st, 1617 AD
...the decisions made will affect the events from March 1st, 1617 AD to August 1st, 1617 AD

Faced by the converging Swedish and PU army north of Magdeburg, Spinola chooses to retreat south, crossing the Elbe in great haste south of Magdeburg, and preparing defensive positions at the river crossings, while trying to acquire local mercenaries to turn the 24,000 into 34,000. The Swedish army has met up with around 15,000 PU troops and the nearly 45,000 troops pursue the Spanish army to the river crossings, where they however avoid crossing at the most heavily defended positions. Instead, they cross the river at Magdeburg in April, and march south, creating a wedge between Spinola and Tilly and threatening to cut off the recently improved supply lines to Spinola's position. At the beginning of May, Spinola is trapped between the Elbe and the Swedish army, which tries to force him to either abandon his fortifications, move through the neutral Saxony, or engage the Swedish army in battle on open ground. Meanwhile, the Dutch and English forces in the Southern Netherlands have begun moving towards Tilly's position in Hesse-Kassel.

In the middle of May, Spinola engages the Swedish army in battle. Seeing a gap between the position of the PU forces on the Swedish left flank, and their main force, he quickly pins the Swedish cavalry by moving to threaten their right flank, while charging the heavier cavalry towards the PU cavalry on the Swedish left flank, successfully routing their entire force of cavalry. The PU artillery crews are suddenly exposed, and charged by the Spanish cavalry. In order to protect the exposed artillery, the PU infantry advances, but are met by heavy, concentrated bombardment from the Spanish artillery, and 2 rapidly advancing tercios. The Swedish cavalry, still concentrated on their right flank, is unable to reach the left flank quickly enough to prevent the rout of the PU flank. With the Swedish left flank wide open, the Spanish prepare to roll up the Swedish flank. At this time, the Swedish army brings up its second line of reserves, reestablishing the seemingly weakened line before the Spanish manouver is able to surround it, and the Swedish line is able to deal far more damage on the advancing tercios than expected, almost reestablishing their line entirely, and simultaneously threatening the Spanish right flank with their cavalry, which has by now routed the Spanish light cavalry sent to pin them. With a massive advantage on their right flank and a sufficiently secured left flank, the Swedish charge the now exposed Spanish artillery with their heavy cavalry. The Spanish heavy cavalry is still behind the Swedish left flank in pursuit of the routed PU forces, but now turns back towards the battle. While the Swedish left flank is still exposed, there are still too many Swedish reserves that have not yet been committed to battle. Simultaneously, the Swedish heavy cavalry, having captured the Spanish cannons, begin a heavy bombardment of the Spanish left flank from their rear. with Swedish advantage in both cavalry and artillery, and a marginal advantage in infantry, the scattered Spanish cavalry forces flee the field, followed shortly by the Spanish infantry. The Swedish carry out a careful pursuit of the defeated army which is still comparatively strong in cavalry. At the end of the battle, the PU have suffered 1,000 killed and 3,000 deserters, and the Swedish have lost 5,000 dead and 200 deserters. The Spanish have lost nearly 8,000 dead and 7,000 captured. As the Swedish continue pursuing the defeated army for another month, it loses another 7,000 to desertion. At the end of June, the Swedish force numbers 35,000 men of which 10,000 are PU troops, 18,000 are Swedish troops, and 7,000 are mercenaries. Spinola's army has been reduced to a mere 12,000, who retreat southwest. The Swedish soon give up the pursuit and instead return to the other side of the Elbe, and march south towards the exposed Prague. The garrison is smaller than 2,500 men, and at the end of July they assault the city and successfully capture it, leaving 3,000 PU troops to garrison it, and continue south with 31,500 men.

Meanwhile, in late May, Tilly received reinforcements from 16,000 troops from Northern Italy, leaving only 4,000 to garrison Venice. The Anglo-Dutch army has so far, like Tilly, avoided open battle and marched south. Now reinforced to a strength of 40,000 men, Tilly goes on the offensive against the Protestant 35,000 men near Heidelberg in early June, first manouvering in a wide arc to approach them from the north, via their supply. Tilly has a slight advantage in both artillery and cavalry. The battle begins with an indecisive artillery duel, followed by an advance by Tilly's infantry. In the ensuing musket duels, the Dutch and English troops are at a slight disadvantage against the Catholic numbers, even though they are equipped with more modern and faster-reloading muskets. The Protestants withdraw at the end of the day, having suffered over 4,800 casualties while inflicting only 3,000, most casualties being infantry. The 30,200 are pursued by Tilly's 37,000, who engage them in a second battle near Mainz. Although they have been reinforced by a small number of local troops and mercenaries, they fail to assemble more than 33,000. Tilly again engages them with the same strategy, weakening them by artillery bombardment and a controlled infantry advance, where his superior numbers again give a small but sufficient advantage to force them into retreat. The Catholic cavalry harasses the retreating troops, capturing 3,000, killing another 2,000, and around 2,000 desert. At the end of July, Tilly breaks off the pursuit. Meanwhile, the 10,000 Catholic League troops at Württemberg end the siege of the city by assault. 7,000 troops are thus freed up and link up with Spinola's remaining 12,000 who have fallen back to the fortified positions at Bayreuth. Tilly in his march towards the Swedish troops at Vienna passes Regensburg in late July. The Dutch have begun training of an additional 10,000 troops at home.
https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2126/hre1617yo6.th.jpg (https://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hre1617yo6.jpg)

In the Mediterranean, the Spanish warships engage the Venetian in the Adriatic Sea. The Venetians suffer a disastrous defeat and their remaining 10 warships and 5 galleys flee towards the Venetian Eastern Mediterranean possessions. The Protestant Coalition raids Spanish ports near Gibraltar, and scout extensively around their fleet at Gibraltar to prevent the fireship incident from being repeated. Merchants are searched and escorted as they pass the straits. At Cork, the Spanish land 3,000 reinforcements as well as supplies for the city, and 10 Spanish galleons outside the city engage 5 English warships that are blockading the port, and drive them back, neither side loses any ships. In response, the English gather around 15 warships in the area. Around 15 Spanish warships sink several smaller English and Dutch vessels in the Channel, but retreat after the gathering of the full English strength in the area. As the Protestant Coalition force is informed of the presence of these 15 Spanish warships, they detach 25 warships from their Gibraltar fleet to engage it. The Spanish fleet retreats into a Portuguese bay, where the Spanish have built up a huge concealed battery of cannons for this purpose. 3 Protestant Coalition ships are soon sunk as they try to trap the Spanish force in the bay, and the remaining retreat in disorder, allowing the Spanish to damage 5 others, however the Spanish ships are unable to pursue them due to 1 sunk ship and 3 damaged. In the East Indies, the Dutch forces conclude the conquest of the Phillippines, after a larger naval battle against the Spanish fleets in the area. 2 Danish, 5 Dutch and 5 Dutch EIC ships defeat 10 Spanish ships, sinking 1, capturing 1 and losing none. In the Americas, there are about equal losses on both the English and Spanish side. The Spanish intercepting of merchants at Afria has temporarily ended, possibly to allow for the mustering of the fleet needed for the operations in the English Channel. More than half of the Spanish fleet still seems to be trapped in the Mediterranean. The naval forces outside the Mediterranean are estimated to less than 25, and an additional 15 belonging to the Spanish EIC, while those inside are estimated to less than 45. The Protestant Coalition fleet at Gibraltar is approximately 55 ships strong, while their fleets in the Americas are over 12 ships strong, and their fleets in the East Indies, including the Dutch EIC, amount to over 40 ships. The Protestant Coalition fleet at Gibraltar is experiencing increasing problems with supply, due to the Spanish raids north of it, which has made it difficult for unescorted or lightly escorted merchants to bring supplies to the fleet. In Portugal, there are rumors of rebel forces assembling an army to declare Portuguese independence due to the weakened Spanish presence in the Iberian peninsula. Meanwhile, the English troops outside Cork are threatened by similar problems. At least 3,000 locals have joined the Spanish garrison, and there are possibly more assembling outside the city. With the Spanish reinforcements in the city, they could be able to successfully sally forth and break the siege.

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth prepares industrialization of its cities. There are French troop movements in Luxembourg, with the assembling of 28,000 men near the borders of both the Holy Roman Empire and the Netherlands there. French troops occupy Benghazi after a treaty with the Ottomans.



BRANDENBURG

1. plans?
a. keep your troops under the command of the Swedish
b. as a, but suggest a withdrawal north
c. as a, but suggest an assault on Vienna
d. withdraw your troops


ENGLAND

1. how distribute the fleet?

2. plans in the HRE?
a. keep the troops under Dutch control
b. withdraw them to secure the home front
c. as b, but replace the withdrawn troops by mercenaries given to Dutch command

3. Ireland
a. lift the siege, pull back to defensive ground, Dublin for example, and reinforce Ireland before trying to confront Cork and the Spanish again
b. maintain the siege, and prepare for battle against sallying opponents
c. blockade with 15 warships from the English Channel, and hope to starve out the now larger garrison


FRANCE

1. plans?


HRE and AUSTRIA

1. plans in HRE?


NETHERLANDS

1. plans in HRE?

2. plans for the fleets?


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. plans?


POLAND

1. how better encourage the industrialization of the suggested cities?
a. take those lands that are under your direct control and industrialize them by investing your own money. Hopefully they will, if successful, tempt the nobles to try and industrialize their own possessions too
b. as a, but sell these industries, once created, to merchants at lower cost than they're worth. Also lower tolls to encourage more trade and industry
c. pay money to support merchants and insdustries

2. which industries should primarily be created/encouraged?

3. intervention in the HRE affairs by attacking targets such as the Swedish at Vienna, the Kaiser's Silesia, or Brandenburg's Ducal Prussia? Or possibly try to gain a casus belli by some diplomatical intrigue, to be able to attack someone next turn or even later?


RUSSIA

1. Wladyslaw's terms are the following: Wladyslaw becomes Tsar, while Vassili gains control over Novograd and Nizny Novograd with surroundings as a boyar. The Duma will maintain a high degree of influence. The Russian army will be formed of both militia, and troops fielded by the boyars
a. accept it, although not very good, it could be a starting point for gaining more influence again
b. decline it, as it will mean taking land from those who were loyal to you, an attempt to Wladyslaw to outmanouvre you
c. instead suggest other terms. A joint rule isn't common in these days so there's no good example to copy the terms from, instead you must think up your own
d. assemble your forces and try to conquer Moscow


SPAIN

1. Military plans in HRE. Spinola has now command of 18,000 troops of which 7,000 belong to the Catholic League. The Imperial, Spanish and Catholic League troops hold the most important cities in Ansbach, Bayreuth, Hesse-Kassel and Württemberg. This is about 70% of the land of the rebels.
a. seek another engagement with the Swedish army, to destroy it. Coordinate with Tilly. Leave only smaller garrisons in the captured lands, to slow down the advance of Dutch, English and Brandenburg troops.
b. try to hold the captured territories
c. advance towards Brandenburg again. It should be held by less than 10,000 troops. A successful campaign there could hurt Swedish supply situation. If the Swedish army appears again, retreat south or towards Tilly and avoid battle altogether if possible, even battles at river positions. Let the small Catholic League garrisons in captured regions slow down and harass the pursuing enemies
d. abandon all the captured regions, and fall back to Bavaria and the 7,000 Catholic League troops there. The League will probably muster some 5,000 more during the autumn, and prepare defense against the Dutch and English, if they come back. Hold major cities and await Tilly's return from victory at Vienna

2. In Ireland
a. sally forth before the English can reinforce their besieging force. At least 7,000 Spanish, of which 3,000 are Irish, against 10,000 English should be enough to break out, though possibly with high casualties
b. stay in the city, and try to hold it. It has supplies for the winter, but no longer.
c. send a fleet to supply the garrison, to stockpile enough supplies to defend the city until next spring.
d. send a fleet to extract the garrison

3. how distribute the fleet?
a. gather the 15 that are outside the Iberian coast, and the ships inside the Mediterranean, and let them both sail to meet up outside. The Protestant Coalition should have trouble blockading the passage entirely, and hopefully the two fleets will be able to meet without losing too many ships to the Protestant fleet due to the winds at Gibraltar. This would mean gathering 60 ships minus those lost in the rush against the 55 Protestant Coalition ships at Gibraltar. The entire thing would then turn into the most massive naval battle in history, hopefully with Spanish victory or at least suffiently high Protestant losses to force them to retreat.
b. try to have 15 of your fastest ships break out of the Mediterranean, and join the 15 other outside, and use the resulting 30 minus losses in the breakout to continue harassing the supplies to the enemy fleet at Gibraltar
c. use the 15 to raid supplies to the enemy fleet
d. use the 15 to raid enemy targets everywhere, supplies to the fleet, merchants from their colonies, etc. Move quickly and don't stay long anywhere, and avoid regular naval battles. This will have smaller impact on the PC fleet supply level than c, but could cause greater damage in total, depending on your goals and strategy.

4. plans in Italy?
a. assault Florence, and try to hunt down and destroy the rebel field army in battle too. After succeeding in this, keep 3,000 men more than what the rebels may have left, and send the rest to other fronts. As planned before, burn the city after capturing it.
b. try to make peace with Florence, offering them independence. Keep at least 6,000 to secure the other regions, such as Genoa, from revolting too, while sending the rest to other fronts
c. send Spinola from the HRE (that means, without the 7,000 Catholic League troops he has, meaning he will have only 12,000) to Northern Italy, and defeat the revolt more easily, and assault Florence. Burn the city after capturing it to make examples
d. as a, but don't leave more than what's needed to garrison Florence, then stockpile Florence for siege, and send off the remaining forces to other fronts immediately. Make sure the plans in other regions are such that you will be able to return quickly enough that the enemies can't successfully assault or starve out the city before your return. This requires that they don't receive support from abroad and grow much in size in the coming turn(s).


SWEDEN

1. Of the captured troops, many are mercenaries, which are available for recruitment into your army. You have a total pool of nearly 10,000 to recruit from. The city of Vienna is held by around 5,000 troops, and Wallenstein has at least 2,000 raiding troops outside the city. Winter is coming.
a. recruit 10,000
b. recruit 5,000
c. recruit none

2. plan
a. assault Vienna.
b. besiege Vienna. Hope to draw Tilly into battle outside the city. If he is defeated, Vienna will be easy to assault and the land will then lay wide open, and the Kaiser will probably open for favorable negotiations. If he wins, retreat to Prague or if the defeat is huge, to Magdeburg or even further north.
c. immediately fall back to Prague and positions north of that, in order to secure supply and rest over the winter. Try to recruit militia from the earlier Bohemian revolt in the vicinity of Prague during the winter. Possibly negotiate with leading Protestants in Bohemia and offer an independent Bohemia if they muster enough troops to support the Swedish troops. Also possibly send envoys to Gabor Béhtlen of Transylvania, in case he is willing to attack Hungaria next spring.
d. retreat to Magdeburg over the winter, defend the supply, and if on favorable terms engage the opponents there

3. coordination with the PC
a. try to convince more Danish assistance
b. suggest the Dutch and English troops fall back to defense, but send 10,000 of their troops to link up with yours
c. suggest the Dutch and English take advantage of Tilly being tied down at the Swedish army, by recapturing the land they took at Hesse-Kassel, Bayreuth and Ansbach, and also possibly besiege Trier and Mainz.
d. don't bother about what they do


VENICE

1. military plans
a. if the Spanish withdraw from the Mediterranean, use troops from Crete, and the remnants of the fleet, to attack Venice. It is held by 4,000 HRE troops. Once Venice is retaken, hopefully the Spanish troops at Florence can be forced to lift their siege due to their problems at home and after their defeat in the HRE. If these things don't happen, avoid battle and try to fortify the position on Crete. Repair the fleet as much as possible, and avoid battle with the Spanish fleet
b. something else, specify what

[Rodion Romanovich]

Let's say deadline is Wednesday next week if it's ok

[Kagemusha]

Great chapter Legio.:2thumbsup: Altough im wondering what orders my army was following.:embarassed:

[SwordsMaster]

HMCIM Philippe of Spain will welcome the venetian embassadors if the Doge wishes to send them. HMCIM hopes the Doge does so before he loses the rest of His vessels.

[Franconicus]

Legio, thanks a lot for the chapter, esp. the naval stregth. One question: the counted ships are all warships, right?

[Rodion Romanovich]

@Franc: yes

@Kage: oops, I answered your PM twice, it seems. Ignore the last reply ~:)

[Kagemusha]

No probs Legio!:smash:

[Franconicus]

:france:
Orders to the trade marine and trade companies:

As France has peaceful relations to every nation, French ships are allowed to trade with every foreign country. However, they have to fulfill these orders:

1) The supply of the French colonies has priority!
2) Trade with weapons or transport of troops has to be admitted by the authorities.

According to the current war situation the government expects that the Dutch government and the Dutch trade companies will soon run out of money. We advice all French traders to request advanced payment, if possible in solid Louis D`Or!

:france:
The French government guarantees all soldiers in the army or navy a retirement fund after a duty of at least 15 years. Invalids also receive a pension. All worker in the Royal Manufactories receive a pension as soon as they reach the age of 65.

[Kagemusha]

May we ask the French government what they mean by Dutch government and Dutch trading companies running out of money? On what does France base these claims?

Embassador of Netherlands

[Franconicus]

My dear embassador,

You know as well as We do that the Dutch economy depends on overseas trade more than the economy of any other nation. Lately we saw that the Dutch trade companies lost market shares on some important markets, maybe due to the new focus on the integration of Belgium and the war against the HRE.

Now the Netherlands are at war again, they increase the expenses for the army and navy. What is more severe is the fact that the Dutch trade with its possessions in India and Far East is actually cut off. Same situation on the Mediterranean market. Although We see the successful operation of Dutch troops in the Phillipines, We cannot see that the trade situation will improve in short time. However, We would be glad if you could show us that we are wrong and that the Dutch have a huge gold reserve.

France is willing to support the Dutch like every other nation by transporting and trading goods. Due to the reflections described above we ask our traders to insist on advanced payment.

French Trade Minister

[Kagemusha]

We appreciate the concerns of French trade ministry about our economy,but according to our own sources,we have only lost few individual shipments and talking about our East Indian trade beeing cut off would sound as exaggeration. Our and the forces of our allies in the East Indias and other theathres of operations are in process of eliminating the hostile forces on those waters and soon the flow of trade should be normal once again. We should also remind that our trade fleets doesnt only carry items from East Indias as for example Baltic sea routes are completely safe currently. So again,we appreciate the French concerns,but we can assure that those worries shouldnt be over estimated.

The Dutch Embassador

[Franconicus]

France agrees that a Dutch victory will boost the Dutch trade and the wirth of the Dutch trade companies. However, the end of this war is not forseeable. It might be, that the Dutch trade company crashes before. In such an case, only as a mind game, would the Dutch government peg the market? If yes, what are the securities you could offer?

French Trade Minister

[SwordsMaster]

Has the Stadtholder's bloodthirsty nature been satisfied by now? Or will he continue throwing away the lives of his soldiers?

And HMCIM wonders if His Holiness has fallen ill, since this silence while war rages across Europe is uncharacteristic of Him. Perhaps, if His health allows it, He would examine the letters from Spain that our ambassadors have brought with them.

HMCIM will accept the capitulation of the Venetian fleet and will promise to spare the lives of those who surrender. The officers will be granted lands in Spanish colonies and employed so as to make the best use of their abilities and not against Venice. The Doge is obviously too stubborn to offer a peace treaty even in defeat.

[Rodion Romanovich]

From the Papacy:

The Holy Father appeals to the Christian leaders of state in Europe to seek an end to internal conflict. The Holy Father will also found a new Order to ensure Catholic minorities are treated humanely in countries led by rulers who claim allegiance to the secteric and heretical churches. The order will be sent to inspect the situation for the Scottish and Irish Catholic minorities. The men from the order are to be considered men of the church.

==

The Holy Father also wishes to congratulate the French King Louis XIII for his work for peace and for the cause of the church. The Catholic cardinals in France have reported that they are given important positions even in the French administration as advisors and lawmen, and that the chaos after the death of Henry IV is gradually coming to an end.

[Franconicus]

We thank the Holy Father for His friendly words. Like He We do not wish any chaos in Our countries and as We have shown, We are able to end it.

We also agree with the Holy father that the military conflicts in Europe must come to an end.

[Incongruous]

The German Emperor.

I d not think so French king, you saw out conflict with bloody deeds and till it's very end, do not expect anything but from us, we have not forgotten the slaughter of Imperial soldiers by the French, you should not either when looking at how we prosecute our enemies.

[Franconicus]

To the German Emperor:

Kaiser,

My soldiers haven't done anything wrong. My peace conditions were fair, it wasn't France that adored German territory.

So why are you looking for Revanche? If you are eager for military glory and seeking for more worthy enemies, just let me know.

[Randarkmaan]

I'm having troubles with my internet connection at home, I've not been able to connect for three days. I don't know when I will get it back up, so I'll leave Vladimir in charge, as I won't be able to check the forum very often. :embarassed:

[Vladimir]

Back on with the hat.

:sultan:

[SwordsMaster]

Meh, I came to check eagerly, hoping for a new chapter...

[Franconicus]

... and find your cousin looking for trouble!:smg:

[Incongruous]

I did not declare myself an enemy of France, stop bending words Frenchman, I merley pointed out Frances rather bloody dispute carried out only a few years ago, and that one would be wise to take into account the execution or murder of German Soldiers by you're army, befor econdoming any actions I take in this new war.

[Franconicus]

France did what she had to do and she did it with minimum casualties on both sides. Compared with the wars of the other nations, static warfare, with endless battles without gaining ground, the French army demonstrated what will be called 'Blitzkrieg' in the future.

I condemn this war because it does not bring any good. However, I know that you were not eager to get involved in it. I think you even agree that it would be better to end this war before it does more damage.

[SwordsMaster]

I did not declare myself an enemy of France, stop bending words Frenchman, I merley pointed out Frances rather bloody dispute carried out only a few years ago, and that one would be wise to take into account the execution or murder of German Soldiers by you're army, befor econdoming any actions I take in this new war.

Perhaps it would be more profitable for the HRE to become a friend of France rather than the enemy. The King of France is my friend, and France has shown herself neutral so far, and I would not like that to change.

[Marshal Murat]

AH The French have a time machine, looking up words in the future!
Heresy! Witchcraft! A mockery of the church! Who will stand to have these French, getting words from the future!?
And such irony that the words are German!
Burn them at the stake!
Ends OOC

[IrishArmenian]

OOC:
That is just German for "Lightning Strike".

[Franconicus]

AH The French have a time machine, looking up words in the future!
Heresy! Witchcraft! A mockery of the church! Who will stand to have these French, getting words from the future!?
And such irony that the words are German!
Burn them at the stake!
Ends OOC

My dear Polish friend!

I see that French philosophy and sience is advanced to an extend that other nations must have the feeling that we are using Black Magic. Let me assure you that this impression is wrong. All our knowledge is based on our faith and brainpower, both given to us in an unusual high degree by the Lord in His inscutable mercy.

We are using this German name, because this new and outstanding strategy was first demonstrated in Germany.

By the way, we warn all other armies to try to copy this strategy. Although it may look very simple, it requires a skill of training and leadership as well as organisation and equipment that can hardly be reached by any other nation.

Of course we agree that the blessing of France civilisation should be named in French. We also see that it is about the time to change the official language of the Oxident from Latin into French. I think all reasonable members agree that the official org. language is from now on French!

Vive la France!

Richelieu

[SwordsMaster]

My dear Polish friend!

I see that French philosophy and sience is advanced to an extend that other nations must have the feeling that we are using Black Magic. Let me assure you that this impression is wrong. All our knowledge is based on our faith and brainpower, both given to us in an unusual high degree by the Lord in His inscutable mercy.

We are using this German name, because this new and outstanding strategy was first demonstrated in Germany.

By the way, we warn all other armies to try to copy this strategy. Although it may look very simple, it requires a skill of training and leadership as well as organisation and equipment that can hardly be reached by any other nation.

Of course we agree that the blessing of France civilisation should be named in French. We also see that it is about the time to change the official language of the Oxident from Latin into French. I think all reasonable members agree that the official org. language is from now on French!

Vive la France!

Richelieu

Ehm. Blitzkrieg and world domination? They do have a time machine!:smash:

[King Kurt]

Statement from the Torchwood Institute, Court of King James

All this talk of Time machines is so old hat - haven't you all got one yet? The Doctor has been helping us for years - hence our rapier like strategy. So come on Europe, keep up.:laugh4:

Signed this day, 20th of April, 1815 (just visiting) at the controls of the Tardis
King James the First of England and Sixth of Scotland.

[Kagemusha]

Well the Government of Netherlands is only worried that there will be no papal bullas concerning out of this planetary system colonies,since our time travellers have colonized few solar systems already using our warp technology fregates.:clown:

[Marshal Murat]

Oh lord, what hath man wrought!?

[Warluster]

All of this time machine talk, have you not heard that Brandenburg just invented the lastest Laser Cannon, and we have stopped the moon from blowing in the year 3000?

[Vladimir]

This is what you in Europe call progress? It seems that War is now Blitzkrieg and Science is now Lunacy

:sultan:

We are the Turk. Your biological and genetic distinctness with be assimilated into our collective. Resistance is futile. *runs away screaming* :tongue:

[Randarkmaan]

His highness, the sultan Ahmad I, with the help of time travellers has managed to to fix his internet connection! Though he did find it weird that the time travellers could not speak Ottoman Turkish, they may have descended from a small area not yet under the control of the Ottoman Empire.

[Marshal Murat]

OOC:Alright, glad we could have this little romp through time, so lets get back to buisness.

[Vladimir]

Yes, well. It seems like we've been abandon.

[Incongruous]

Bopa is worried by the absence of a chapter, hmmmm. Who has stolen it?
I know!
Those dirty Protestant rebels!

[Franconicus]

:france:
I am afraid that you miss the bigger picture. The new chapter has a little delay due to the fact that Legio has decided to translate it into
FRENCH.

[Incongruous]

Wait, wait...
F
R
E
N
C
H
What's that? Sounds like alot of over glorified sexual noises...:idea2:

[Franconicus]

I know that it is hard for the German Lords, but times are changing. Many still stick to the old Latin, but the new language of noblemen and wisemen is French. If you want to participate in the New Age, you have to learn it. If not, please stay in the Latin speaking Middle Ages.

[Incongruous]

How is this so? I have not heard it said throughout all the courts of Europe that French in now the rule. You are perhaps getting over you're head?

[Franconicus]

Well, I see that lately most of the messangers bypass Germany. I announced the change above and none had any reasons to vote against it. Even Tosa-san agreed in a silent way!

Et voila!


... We also see that it is about the time to change the official language of the Oxident from Latin into French. I think all reasonable members agree that the official org. language is from now on French!

[SwordsMaster]

Damn! Yet again i'm fooled into thinking there is a new chapter up...

[Rodion Romanovich]

Sorry, it will be delayed until the weekend probably. A lot of stuff came up ~:(

[SwordsMaster]

Sorry, it will be delayed until the weekend probably. A lot of stuff came up ~:(

No worries. The thesis probably needs some attention anyway..:shame:

[IrishArmenian]

Latin? Wha?

[Franconicus]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Battle_of_Gibraltar_1607.jpg/800px-
Battle of Gibraltar: Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Gibraltar. I thought you might want to have a look:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gibraltar

Bad bad Dutch:
Following the destruction of the Spanish ships, the Dutch deployed boats and killed hundreds of swimming Spanish sailors.

[Incongruous]

Bloodthirsty Brigands! Bashi bazooks! Bloody minded rogues! Debters! Protestants! Bloodhounds of Satan!

[Randarkmaan]

Bashi bazooks
Hey, watch your mouth kaiser, I think I have a unit of soldiers called that. You don't want another war with the ruler of all the world do you? ~;)

[IrishArmenian]

All the world? You mean the Largest Continuous Empire, correct?

[Incongruous]

Surley China or the Moguls are larger?

[Franconicus]

China? China? Call the Geographe Royal!

[Randarkmaan]

All the world? You mean the Largest Continuous Empire, correct? I, the sultan, was just boasting...

[IrishArmenian]

Who are these "Chinese" or "Moguls"?

[Randarkmaan]

The Chinese are squat men in the east who claim to have invented gunpowder. The "Moguls" sounds like the Mughals, they rule parts of India.

[Incongruous]

No, the Moguls, those nen whom pop up from the great southern continent and are called Rupert.

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar does not understand this jest.

[SwordsMaster]

The Tsar does not understand this jest.

Madness! They all crazy I tells ya! :dizzy2:

The remedy would of course be a new chapter

[Kagemusha]

I want my fix!!:smash: Lets see will the anniversary of battle of Gibraltar be an omen from things to come.:book:

[Rodion Romanovich]

CHAPTER 18
...the decisions made will affect the events from March 1st, 1618 AD to August 1st, 1618 AD

At the beginning of August, Spinola begins reforming his broken army. Around 500 of the previous deserters return to the army and are along with 4,000 mercenaries incorporated into it before the middle of the month, bringing numbers up to 23,500 including the Catholic League forces. Meanwhile Tilly passes through Regensburg with his victorious 37,000 in his march east. Spinola begins a manouver towards Brandenburg, threatening to cut off the retreat of the Swedish force close to Vienna. Meanwhile, Tilly and Wallenstein are moving east rapidly. Spinola, after securing several smaller towns in Brandenburg without casualties to support his supply, now turns southeast. A trap of over 60,000 Catholic forces split into 3 parts is beginning to close around the somewhat fatigued and demoralized Swedish army, which however is determined to attempt an assault on Vienna before winter. A few weeks of bad weather prevent a quick assault, which is postponed long enough to make the manouvres of the Catholic armies get even closer to the Swedish position and nearly converge.

However Tilly has received new orders, and the operation is aborted before the pincers can close around the Swedish force. After attempting to assault Vienna and failing, the Swedish army escapes north safely. With difficulties in supplies and 2,000 casualties from the failed assault on Vienna, they regroup in Bohemia at the end of the month. Only Spinola still threatens the Swedish force, but his numbers are still too small. Tilly passes through Regensburg again in the middle of the month, and continues towards the Southern Netherlands, where he arrives in early September, now with 44,000 men. He is met by heavily garrisoned fortresses and a Dutch army that tries to avoid conclusive battle. As he marches past the Dutch-garrisoned Cologne towards the Waal, he finds that the Dutch have burnt the bridges over the river. Meanwhile, the Dutch garrisoned fortresses to the south sally out and harass Tilly's supply. He decides to try and force the Dutch into battle by putting Cologne under siege. The city is well garrisoned, but some remnants of the embankments from the previous Dutch siege are still left, and the city could be threatened in a matter of a few months with the heavy autumn rains. However, these rains are also problematic for Tilly's supply, and when the Dutch army still hasn't been drawn into battle by October, he pulls back towards Austria after losing around 2,000 men, meeting up with Wallenstein.

Meanwhile, in October, the Swedish army has retreated to winter camp in Brandenburg, leaving around 3,000 as garrison in Bohemia, while beginning negotiations with the local Protestants regarding independence from the Habsburgs. The Swedish troops then reach winter camp in Brandenburg with 30,000 troops, next to 12,000 belonging to the Protestant Union, for a total of 42,000. On the arrival of the Swedish troops, Spinola pulls back south of the Elbe to avoid battle with the numerally superior opponent. However, by November, Spinola receives new troops. 12,000 Spanish troops have arrived from Italy after Florence fell to a bloody assault in August, and an additional reserve of 8,000 mercenaries have, though with great difficulties, been built up over the entire autumn. Spinola thus has 43,500 men, of which 16,000 are Spanish and the remainder are mercenaries. Tilly and Wallenstein's combined forces now number 46,000 men. Despite the fact that winter has begun, the Catholic armies go on the offensive. In December, Tilly advances from his camp near Leipzig towards Dessau, and crosses the Elbe near Wittemberg, but is forced to leave 2,000 cavalry south of the river to cover the supplies. He is able to cross the Elbe before the Swedish army can react, but is critically delayed during the river crossing itself. The ice of the frozen river turns out too thin for the cannons, and he must seek a crossing over one of the major bridges. A Swedish reconnaissance patrol engages and routs a small group of Imperial cavalry near the river, and as Tilly marches towards the town of Luckenwalde, he is engaged by the Swedish army which nearly captures the Imperial force in an ambush, however they too lose the element of surprise. The Swedish cavalry manages to rout the Imperial cavalry on one of the flanks and the Swedish infantry advances, but Tilly is able to save the army from complete rout despite retreating towards safer ground in the face of the Swedish charge. Part of the Swedish attack is disorganized as it reaches the Imperial line and the remaining Imperial cavalry deals decisive damage to the Swedish flank, which is only saved at the last moment by a charge from the Finnish Hakkapeliittas. With the last of the Imperial cavalry routed, Tilly's line is severely threatened, but Wallenstein has managed to protect the precious Imperial artillery and during the last hour of the battle the Imperial forces are able to prevent total disaster and make the Swedish victory becomes costly. In the end, the Swedish have lost 4,000 Swedish infantry and 800 cavalry, while the Imperial army has lost 7,000 infantry and 300 cavalry, and Tilly has been severely wounded. The Swedish are unable to pursue the army, as they receive news of Spinola being less than one day's march from their position, with 43,000 men compared to the Swedish 38,000, threatening to meet with the remaining Imperial 37,000. The Swedish retreat over the Havel, hoping to delay the opponents at the river crossing.

At the end of the month, the Imperial army, now commanded by Wallenstein, lays siege on the town of Brandenburg to draw out the Swedish into battle at his fortified position outside the town, while Spinola occupies smaller towns south of the river to improve the supply situation. After less than a week, the town of Brandenburg falls, securing the Catholic armies a safe crossing of the Havel. The Swedish, now forced into full retreat, are caught up with and engaged near Wittstock. The assaults on the Swedish entrenched position are costly, with huge losses in infantry during the first hours as the attackers fail to break through, but eventually, concentrated Imperial artillery is able to open a crucial breech in the Swedish defenses and in the following assault, a Swedish cavalry charge is driven back with huge casualties after failing to prevent the position from being overrun. The Swedish have lost 5,000 infantry, 1,500 cavalry, most of their cannons, and the commanders Torsten Stålhandske and Johan Banér, along with at least 3,000 missing or wounded, and the king is wounded in the leg, barely escaping capture. The Spanish army loses 3,000 infantry and 100 cavalry, the Imperial-Catholic League army another 3,000 infantry, and another 2,500 each are suffered by the lack of supply throughout the winter, but the Spanish, Imperial and Catholic League have secured their back, leaving Potsdam, Berlin and Magdeburg almost unguarded for the upcoming spring. The Swedish now have less than 28,500 troops and shortage in cavalry and artillery. Wallenstein has 31,500 men, and Spinola 37,500 men.

Meanwhile, at Gibraltar, the Spanish launch attacks with galleys armed with heavier cannons on the Protestant fleet, managing to score several hits on it in calm weather, when the sail-driven ships are unable to turn quickly and are vulnerable to the superior reach of these specially equipped galleys. The Spanish galleys repeat their manouvers for several days, however with limited damage. In late August, the Coalition fleet however withdraws from Gibraltar, pulling out most of their garrison from the fortress on the rock. Spanish troops assault the fortress in the beginning of September, and although they have difficulties capturing it, the garrison surrenders earlier than expected. Only 1,100 Spanish attackers are killed and less than 3,000 wounded, while the 2,600 survivors from the 3,000 man large garrison are captured.

In Ireland, the Spanish garrison of Cork sallies from the city in August and attack the besieging English force. The besiegers are surprised to find themselves pitted against as much as 7,000 opponents. Although the Spanish have little artillery support, they have much cavalry and their experienced tercio inflicts much damage to the English cavalry charges, while the Spanish cavalry disrupts their artillery. At the end of the battle, the English siege force has lost much of its equipment and cavalry, and are in retreat towards Limerick. The Spanish, along with Irish auxiliaries, pursue them. Meanwhile, a Scottish revolt is prevented before it starts, after traitors among the rebels inform the English king of the revolt. The responsible are captured and executed. In early September, the Protestant Coalition fleet reaches its target: Cork. They land over 20,000 troops outside the city, and are able to capture it quickly. Not long afterwards, at Limerick, the Spanish-Irish force surrenders. 4,000 Spanish and 3,000 Irish troops are captured, many of the latter are killed.

Rumors are circulating about French merchants assisting the Spanish. They are accused of having offered protection for the Spanish silver fleet to enable the Spanish economy to survive the war. In Portugal, the Spanish king tries to prevent revolt by increasing the garrisons and ordering a local culture-related project to keep the potential rebel leaders occupied. The total Iberian peninsula garrison is now believed to be less than 50,000 men, with the National Guard constituting the majority.

In the Mediterranean, the Spanish fleet launches a campaign to capture the remaining Venetian Mediterranean possessions. Meanwhile, Ottoman forces join the offensive from the other direction, both announcing a trade embargo towards Venice. In a Spanish-Ottoman treaty, Cyprus is given to Venice, while most remaining Venetian possessions are divided between Spain and the Ottomans. Corfu and Ragusa are captured from smaller Venetian garrisons. The Venetian Doge asks for terms of peace. With Florence fallen and the Venetian-Florentine army in North Italy dissolved, they only have the difficult to capture fortresses left against the Spanish-Ottoman advance. French merchants are protesting loudly about the Cyprus treaty, after French trade bases have been established on the island since its earlier liberation. The Knights of St John withdraw half their garrison from the island.

In the Atlantic, 25 Spanish warships successfully defeat a Protestant fleet of 15 English, 5 Dutch and 5 Danish warships, sinking 7 ships and losing 3 in August. In September, Spanish troops land in South Africa and capture the Dutch colony there. However in October, a large Dutch fleet arrives from the East Indies, and retakes the colony. It continues west, pursuing the Spanish fleet that initially captured the colony, but fail to catch up with it. In January, 22 Spanish warships are engaged outside the Iberian peninsula by 40 Protestant warships, suffering 11 sunk ships, while sinking only 3. A reinforced English fleet in the Carribbean raids a Spanish shipyard and port in the area, setting 2 merchants on fire and damage much of the ship building facilities there. Despite naval dominance in most regions, the Protestants have difficulties capturing more ground in the colonies, due to increased Spanish garrisons in most regions. Spanish shore batteries also prove effective in all regions, damaging several Protestant warships and sinking 2 smaller transports during the operations in the Carribbean.

In Russia, the civil war gets hotter again. Vassili sends 20,000 troops towards Moscow. They are joined by another 5,000. They break through the outer defenses of the city, but are unable to capture the Tsar's palace. The support in the city is also more limited than expected. In January, after being driven back by the return of Wladyslaw's army, Vassili is assassinated by one of the boyars that were previously among his supporters. Not long afterwards, a majority of Vassili's army surrenders. The civil war is over, but the boyars suggest reforms to limit Wladyslaw's power. His bodyguard is limited to 300 troops, and leading boyars take command of the army. They begin froming a standing force of 8,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 5,000 Cossacks is formed, and a militia reserve of at least 40,000. However, the country is economically damaged by the decades of internal strife, and not very much industrialized.



BRANDENBURG

1. plans?


ENGLAND

1. plans? Is the unrest in the isles worth bothering about, or should the troops be committed to strengthening the efforts in the HRE or to land in Portugal to support anti-Spanish revolt there? What should the fleet do next, how should it be distributed and which targets should it strike?


FRANCE

1. plans?


HRE and AUSTRIA

1. military plans? The Catholic League has currently a strength of 23,000, and there are currently 25,000 Imperial troops. Of these, some are acting as garrisons in captured regions including Hesse-Kassel, Ansbach, Wurttemberg, Bayreuth. Some of these garrisons could be threatened by revolts among the Protestants, but hardly by more than 3,000 in any place unless Wallenstein is driven back to the north. The Catholic League wishes to withdraw south to protect their homelands from an expected Anglo-Dutch offensive from over 40,000 men or even more, however Spinola might have other suggestions. Wallenstein wishes to assault Magdeburg, Potsdam and Berlin in order to prepare for a renewed offensive towards the Swedish, hoping to capture Stralsund and raid Jutland. The Catholic League is planning to muster another 5,000 men, Wallenstein is unable to recruit anything except normal mercenaries while he is campaigning, and it is unlikely there are more than around 5,000 mercenaries more available to hire this season.


NETHERLANDS

1. plans? In the HRE? For the fleets?


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. plans?


POLAND

1. plans?


RUSSIA

1. who do you wish to continue playing as? You may choose Wladyslaw, one of the boyars, someone else, or even another faction.


SPAIN

1. plans? Should the army continue with its previous objectives or with new ones? The Swedish army is severely damaged, but the ground north of Wittstock is difficult to campaign in and pursue the Swedish in during the coming month. Brandenburg's cities lie open for conquest unless the Swedish manage to return reinforced, but Magdeburg and Potsdam may require almost a year of siege. The Anglo-Dutch army could currently be over 40,000 men strong. Many tercios have been lost in the last 3 years, during the Ottoman war, during the Irish campaign, and in the HRE. These could probably be replaced in the coming 2 years, but it will be costly. Due to your losses being replaced by mercenaries, your annual expenses have increased despite the losses. Also, what should the fleets concentrate on doing? Diplomatically, should peace with Venice, and/or the Protestant Coalition be attempted? What about France, which is currently increasing its fleet? Should the land forces try a decisive final blow in the HRE, or retreat to secure the home front?


SWEDEN

1. plans? Should the army stay in the HRE, or pull out altogether? Should it seek reinforcements from mercenaries and Denmark? Should it to be safe be temporarily extracted and returned home, or should it pick at strong position such as Stralsund to defend with both naval and land arms, and where escape is possible if the battle fails? Or should it seek refugee in Jutland, assuming Denmark allows this, behind their newly built lines of forts? Only around 5,000 mercenaries are available to hire for the coming season. Also, should part of the Swedish fleet be sent to the Atlantic and English Channel to gain experience and support the Coalition's naval efforts? Finally, should any actions be done against the new situation in Russia?

[SwordsMaster]

Hmm... So, is there still a Venice player? Or are you playing Venice yourself?

Nice chapter, by the way. Swedish king was lucky.

[Kagemusha]

Great chapter Legio!:2thumbsup: Can we get a map from the situation in HRE?:beam:

[IrishArmenian]

Good Chapter. I want to loose the internal strife, so I think I'll play as Mikahil Romanov who was elected Tsar in 1613, so I don't know how this will work out.

He was elected by the Duma after Vasili died and False Dmitriy had lost all of his power and might as well have been dead.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Hmm... So, is there still a Venice player? Or are you playing Venice yourself?
Venice hasn't really participated much in the last 2-3 chapters, and has been removed.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Good Chapter. I want to loose the internal strife, so I think I'll play as Mikahil Romanov who was elected Tsar in 1613, so I don't know how this will work out.

He was elected by the Duma after Vasili died and False Dmitriy had lost all of his power and might as well have been dead.
Mikhail Romanov will probably work out well. You would have a lot of influence, and as long as your suggestions aren't too much contrary to the will of the other boyars, your decisions will most likely be what in the end happens.

[Rodion Romanovich]

https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9762/hre1618cc6.th.jpg (https://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hre1618cc6.jpg)

[Incongruous]

The German Emperor
We are willing to now offer peace terms of our conditionaing to Brandenbourg and the Swedes.

[Kagemusha]

Government of Netherlands

"We would like to ask Pope what he thinks of the Spanish making deals with the Turk to share Christian Italian lands between themselves and muslims?This seems rather intresting to us."

[SwordsMaster]

Government of Netherlands

"We would like to ask Pope what he thinks of the Spanish making deals with the Turk to share Christian Italian lands between themselves and muslims?This seems rather intresting to us."

Apparently the Netherlands needs a new geographical institution, the lands that have passed to the Sultan are those of Greeks, who are not Catholic.

Italian lands are firmly under the control of Catholic rulers.

[Kagemusha]

Maybe it is the government of Spain that needs to upgrade their maps.Now how many centuries have Italians possessed these lands and how many Italians live there? Also are the Greeks less Christian either.We find it intresting that the so called defender of true faith is willing to give christian land to muslims so easily. We wonder how pope feels about that?

Republic of Netherlands

[SwordsMaster]

Well, since the Greeks are under the influence of the Patriarch and not the Pope I don't see how His Holiness will be bothered since they are going to hell anyway. Besides, for a Protestant rebel who has been preaching against the True Religion, the Stadtholder's interest is wildly extravagant.

The Ottoman Empire is not an ally of Spain, but merely using venetian weakness to get hold of the positions the Sultan deems interesting. Since Spain and Venice are at war, HMCIM did not deem necessary to protect venetian interests. Perhaps the Stadtholder will defend Venice and bring war to the Sultan?

Or will the dutch pirates be content with raiding spanish vessels?

[Kagemusha]

Oh.Now we are rebels and pirates. The thing is some of us live in a new world where christian is a christian like here in Netherlands,where we have freedom of religion,then some of us live in medieval world like the Spain,who think that all progress is from Satan.
We see this affair just as another thing that makes the Empire of Spain as hypocrites. Couple years back you were fighting alongside the Greeks against Ottomans and talking how you would free them from tyranny of Ottomans and now you are condemning them to hell and sharing their lands with Ottomans.

Republic of Netherlands

[SwordsMaster]

Oh.Now we are rebels and pirates. The thing is some of us live in a new world where christian is a christian like here in Netherlands,where we have freedom of religion,then some of us live in medieval world like the Spain,who think that all progress is from Satan.
We see this affair just as another thing that makes the Empire of Spain as hypocrites. Couple years back you were fighting alongside the Greeks against Ottomans and talking how you would free them from tyranny of Ottomans and now you are condemning them to hell and sharing their lands with Ottomans.

Republic of Netherlands

Again, stadtholde, I have not allied with the Ottomans. We merely coincided on the same enemy.

Who are you to judge me anyway? You got what you wanted with the southern Netherlands and yet you still brought war on me. Who is a hypocrite? You just wanted war, no matter what.

[IrishArmenian]

Mikhail Romanov will probably work out well. You would have a lot of influence, and as long as your suggestions aren't too much contrary to the will of the other boyars, your decisions will most likely be what in the end happens.

Will of other Boyars meaning...what?
The last time I (as a player) knew the will of the Boyars was when they wanted Vasili dead.

[Randarkmaan]

Who are you to judge me anyway? You got what you wanted with the southern Netherlands and yet you still brought war on me. Who is a hypocrite? You just wanted war, no matter what.

"Poor is only he who desires more" Do you not think? ~;)

[Rodion Romanovich]

Will of other Boyars meaning...what?
The last time I (as a player) knew the will of the Boyars was when they wanted Vasili dead.
Vassili was a Tsar without support from the boyars already from the beginning, which made him a difficult character. Romanov is a boyar. "Will of the boyars" means, in principle, that if you don't suggest things intending to hurt the other boyars, they will agree to what you suggest. If you do things that will hurt them, they will be likely to try and stop you, unless you do it in a clever way, playing the other boyars against each other and making sure to have the support of a clear majority of the boyars. As a boyar you will also have better information about what the other boyars want, making it easier to not upset them.

[Rodion Romanovich]

From The Papacy:

The Papacy wishes to announce the completion of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Holy Father invites all Catholic Kings to visit the opening ceremonial, which will take place in the 29th of June this year, in memory of the death of St Peter, the first of the Holy Fathers. These are times of both great dangers, and great hopes for the future. The Heathen Turk has been defeated at Vienna, but we have seen how internal strife can open the gates to our cities for the enemy to conquer, if only briefly. But there has also been demonstrations of what unity can do to the enemies of the Lord, as in the liberation of Vienna, and the defeat of both the Heathen Turk, and the schismatic Protestants who tried to invade the Holy Roman Empire but were defeated by the German and Spanish armies near the Great Cathedral in Wittstock. The Holy Father will hold a prayer for the peace and unity of those who are still fighting the sin and schism, and are truly striving for the kingdom of heaven.

[Kagemusha]

Again, stadtholde, I have not allied with the Ottomans. We merely coincided on the same enemy.

Who are you to judge me anyway? You got what you wanted with the southern Netherlands and yet you still brought war on me. Who is a hypocrite? You just wanted war, no matter what.

War is continuation of politics. We dont understand the Spanish emperors accusations about us wanting a war and asking for somekind of chivalrous reasons for it. If you are hostile towards our allies and hostile about the values we have,then ofcourse we are hostile towards you. How could we have stood by with our allies and see you take over the world,while we know that what we present with our tolerance towards religions and individual freedom of men means herecy and treason to you.
You are right about that this discussion is fruitless. Our two set of worlds are just too much apart from each other.
Do you really think that you solve the schism of Church for example by killing all the protestants? It is simply not possible.You cant turn back the tide which is rising through Europe and go back to middle ages. Times are changing no matter how much you dislike it.

Republic of Netherlands

[Incongruous]

How rich coming from a man whom has lost the war.

[Kagemusha]

Or so the Kaiser thinks. War is lost when one side wins.When one side have been utterly defeated or sues for peace.We havent seen any indications about that.All we have seen is numerous battles,some won by the other side,some by the other. Many of our forces havent even yet engaged your forces and you are declaring victory. Well there is no doubt that the future will show how it will turn out.

[Lord Winter]

Sweden is curoious about the germens offer, What would you accpet.

[Warluster]

King of Sweden,

We have already asked the German Emperor on his peace offers, and it seems they are nothing more then being kill or tortured.

[CountArach]

Would I be able to join? I know it has been running for a long time, but is there still space?

Also which nations are up for grabs?

[Csargo]

Would I be able to join? I know it has been running for a long time, but is there still space?

Also which nations are up for grabs?

There's a list afaik and I should be first on it.

[Tran]

No space for outlanders! Wait, I spot a tiny place called 'St. Helena'...if you are hungry for power...

[Warluster]

No Ca, there is no room for now, and quite a waiting list by the sounds of it.

But if you do get in some time, remember GO BRANDENBURG!

[Incongruous]

Sweden is curoious about the germens offer, What would you accpet.

Brandenbourg came to us without you're knowledge ready to turn in youre cause, until they realised the stupidity of their terms. But for you most noble king of Sweden, a simple peace treaty, in which you return all lands taken, denounce Brandenbourg and leave for home should suffice. We understand that you had only honourable intent, unlike youre allies.

[Rodion Romanovich]

The queue is now: Ichigo, Patriarch of Constantinople, AntiochusIII, Grand Lord of Poop~, Frederick_I_Barbarossa, CountArach

In fact, since Venice just dropped out, there's a spot for you now Ichigo, if you wish to join.

[Randarkmaan]

Play Persia, then I can crush you! :laugh4:

[SwordsMaster]

Brandenbourg came to us without you're knowledge ready to turn in youre cause, until they realised the stupidity of their terms. But for you most noble king of Sweden, a simple peace treaty, in which you return all lands taken, denounce Brandenbourg and leave for home should suffice. We understand that you had only honourable intent, unlike youre allies.

Is the HRE Emperor negotiating a separate peace treaty? I believe Spain should have a say in the matter, after all the grievances that Sweden has cost the Spanish army.

OOC: PM, guys, PM peace treaties.

[IrishArmenian]

King of Spain, this is the Kaiser's war, not yours.

[Franconicus]

:france: DECRETS ROYALS

From this day on, only official mean of payment is the “Louis D’Or”. Fakers will be sentenced to death.

There is an import tax on uncoined gold and silver of 20% and on coined gold and silver of 10%. Smugglers will be sentenced to the penal colony.

The Royal Intendant of Public Health will make a list of deseases to report. Every subject, that has one of those, has to be kept in quarantine.

The troops that control the traffic across the borders and at the harbors will reject any person, that wants to enter the Kingdom with one of those deseases.

Local authorities are requested to block out any region, where an epdemy is found. The national borders can be closed in case of an epedemy abroad.

Local authorities can use the National Guard to enforce these measures.

Charity; All French Christians that are in material need without blame will receive support. This support is funded by the King and the Christian churches equally.
All other religions are invited to make a similar arrangement with the King.

[Franconicus]

:france:
We are pleased to announce that Descartes is the new head of the Academie Royale and the Sarbonne. We are also please that Galileo and Hobbes accepted a professorship at the Sarbonne as well as a membership at the Academie.

DECLARATION

The French King has send orders to the army and the navy to enforce the rights of French merchants at the Mediterranean Sea.

[Incongruous]

On this day when we recognise our resounding victory over the Protestant invaders The Kaiser announces the officla first session of the New Parliament in Vienna, the Kaiser expects that the Upper house shall vote to enter a motion to Annex Brandenbourg and offer peace to Sweden. We also wish to allow special seats to five French and Five Spanish diplomats to sit in the Upper house and see our new way of thinking. We also hearby grant the French and Spanish governments to build as they like new International Houses in Vienna where a sociaty of their diplomatic sector shall thrive to improve realtions between our nations.

Kaiser Ferdinand.

[Franconicus]

:france:
The French King is please to congratulate the Kaiser of Germany. We are glad that he managed restore order. We are also pleased to see that the Kaiser is willing to enter a new era of cooperation. We happily accept His offers.

Louis XIII.

[Incongruous]

We thank the French king for his kindness. We wish to inform him that the first session shall begin as son as his diplomats arrive.

The Kaiser offers a final ultimatum to Brandenbourg.
Send word of youre acceptance of utter defaet and annexation into Germany. If you do not we shall prosecute tis war to it's bloody end.
We ask you to see reason.

Kaiser Ferdinand

The Kaiser also announce the craetion of his new Official crown, to show the full extent of the depature from the title of Holy Roman Emperor.http://www.khm.at/data/page481/kronerudolf250.jpg

[Kagemusha]

We find the Kaiser´s statements laughable. You announce victory when you havent made peace with the protestant coalition and your armies will be soon crushed.

Republic of Netherlands

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Danish ambassadors:

The Danish commanders in the Holy Roman Empire announce that Danish troops in the defensive war against the Kaiser have lost only 950 men, while killing over 12,000 troops for the Kaiser and the Spanish king. The Danish king also wishes to announce that the Danish forces in the Holy Roman empire will be increased by several tens of thousands by this summer, to support the Swedish king in dealing a final, decisive blow to the exhausted and demoralized army of the Kaiser, so that he will recall his unprovoked declaration of war against our allies the Netherlands.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Clarification:

Since I got a question about it, I'd like to point out that the casualty figures given in public announcements aren't to be considered reliable sources of information.

[Franconicus]

Clarification:

Since I got a question about it, I'd like to point out that the casualty figures given in public announcements aren't to be considered reliable sources of information.
:yes:

According to well informed sources the Dutch trade companies already lost about 500,000 thalers during this war. We advice French subjects not to invest money in the Dutch companies, because the risk is high that it soon will go bankrupt.

The French government does not confirm rumours, that the Dutch is asking desperatly for a loan, to continue war and prevent the collapse of the Dutch trade company. It also does not confirm that it rejected this wish!

[Kagemusha]

Why is French government spreading this kind of false rumours? We dont understand the intentions behind them. About French investing on Dutch trading companies,we dont understand this message at all. Dutch trading companies sell their shares only to citizens of Netherlands. Our transactions with France are importing of mainly far Eastern products to France. We simply dont understand what is this announcement about and where are you getting this false information? Also what is this talk about asking loans? We havent asked loan from anyone.

The Embassador of Netherlands in France.

[Franconicus]

The French government has not confirmed this roumors!

[SwordsMaster]

On this day when we recognise our resounding victory over the Protestant invaders The Kaiser announces the officla first session of the New Parliament in Vienna, the Kaiser expects that the Upper house shall vote to enter a motion to Annex Brandenbourg and offer peace to Sweden. We also wish to allow special seats to five French and Five Spanish diplomats to sit in the Upper house and see our new way of thinking. We also hearby grant the French and Spanish governments to build as they like new International Houses in Vienna where a sociaty of their diplomatic sector shall thrive to improve realtions between our nations.

Kaiser Ferdinand.

HMCIM Philippe I of All the Spains graciously accepts his brother's offer and will send five of the most influential spanish diplomats. They will have full power to choose and build and International House and a permanent Embassy.

HMCIM hereby creates the rank of Permanent Lord Embassador in the Holy Roman Empire. The holder will be elected during the next session of the Council of Realms and will hold the title for as long as the Council deems necessary.

HMCIM also wishes to follow the steps of his brother, King Louis of France, and standardise the spanish currency to be used in Spain, her colonies, vassal states, and other holdings. Viceroys and governors should inforce the legal issue of these coins with all force necessary. Illegal minting will be punished with 5 years of galleys and exile to African penal colonies.

The Doublon Imperial will weight half an ounce and will be made of gold, with the image of HMCIM on one side, and the Cross of Santiago on the other.

The Silver Doublon will have the same weight and be made of silver, with the same crests.

The Imperial Doublon will have the value of 1000 maravedis, while the silver Doublon will account for 100 maravedis.

A maravedi will weight 1/3 of an ounce and be made of copper with the same crests as above.

Hereby the Imperial Mint is created that will be in charge of creating, distributing and controlling the creation of coins. It will be administered by the Lord Minister of Economy, who will seat at the Council of Realms.

Since the lists of diseases only recently adopted by our brother have been used in Spain for a long time, the logical step is to refuse entrance into the country to those infected with any of the diseases on the list without a period of 45 days of quarantine. Local authorities will have the right to use Imperial Garrisons and National Guard forces to enforce this measure.


From Danish ambassadors:

The Danish commanders in the Holy Roman Empire announce that Danish troops in the defensive war against the Kaiser have lost only 950 men, while killing over 12,000 troops for the Kaiser and the Spanish king. The Danish king also wishes to announce that the Danish forces in the Holy Roman empire will be increased by several tens of thousands by this summer, to support the Swedish king in dealing a final, decisive blow to the exhausted and demoralized army of the Kaiser, so that he will recall his unprovoked declaration of war against our allies the Netherlands.

HMCIM Philippe I wishes to congratulate the King of Denmark on his astounding victory against apparently impossible odds. He also wishes to advice the King of Denmark to make sure his tens of thousands green recruits are prepared to receive the - oh so easily killed - spanish veterans.

[SwordsMaster]

HMCIM Philippe I of All the Spains announces:


That in this glorious day the Doge of Venice has been finally subdued, and peace now reigns between our two nations.

That the Doge will be welcomed to the spanish court with all the honours due to a vassal prince.

That the venetian subjects of the Doge will enjoy the same privileges as the other vassal states, including serving in the Army, Navy, and the validation of their titles, riches, social positions and other assets in Spain.

That, as part of the Spanish Commonwealth, they will adopt the spanish standard currency.

May this start a new era of prosperity in the Mediterranean that will bring wealth and enlightenment to all our friends.


HMCIM also announces that the army in Iberia has been increased to 120,000 men for the better defence of our homelands.

[IrishArmenian]

"HMCIM Philippe I" seems to pass the time by listening to the sound of his own voice, yes?

[SwordsMaster]

"HMCIM Philippe I" seems to pass the time by listening to the sound of his own voice, yes?

Gah! That's my answer to you Romanov!:laugh4:

[Incongruous]

Hah! is mine.

OOC: Perhaps I should create a list of famous/funny/good quotes from the 17th century? I am sure our noble characters have sad stupid things many times.

[IrishArmenian]

Gah! That's my answer to you Romanov!:laugh4:

The Tsar laughed at this remark wholeheartedly.
Phillipe is a comedic genius, regardless of his politics!

[Franconicus]

Do we have a deadline?

[Rodion Romanovich]

Oops! Let's say Sunday this week!

[King Kurt]

Sorry I will be away from a computer until next tuesday - could we make it next wednesday??

[Rodion Romanovich]

Ok, that's fine ~:)

[Franconicus]

:france:
ULTIMATUM

We demand the Doge of Venice to either give compensation to the damage he caused to French subjects immediately or to get ready to settle this issue on the battleground.

Louis, King of France, Navarre and the New France

P.S.: We are ready to give our conditions to the agent of Venice!

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Venice:

Venice is now a vassal of Spain. This ultimatum will have to be resolved with our King HMCIM Philippe I.

[SwordsMaster]

OOC: I am a bit confused: What's the deal with Russia? Who is Tsar? Romanov or Wladyslaw? Or is Romanov just a prominent figure in the Duma? How much power does he actually wield?

EDIT: Thanks for clearing it up Legio

[Rodion Romanovich]

Romanov is not Tsar, but a boyar. Wladyslaw is a puppet Tsar more or less controlled by the Duma. Romanov's power is restricted by two things: he's not officially Tsar, AND the boyars have money, soldiers and other methods of enforcing their will so nobody can rule Russia without support from the boyars. The easiest way to find out if you have the support of the boyars is to ask them for their opinion.

In practise, most things Romanov decides will come true, but for more drastical manouvers it's usually wise to ask the Duma for their opinion first, which he can do by PM or public statements, and depending on the type of question, I'll give the answer right away or in the following chapter. This is more or less how the real situation for Romanov was. It took a few generations before the Russian Tsar's managed to increase their power and decrease the influence of the Duma.

[SwordsMaster]

All repeat with me: "Chapter! Chapter! Chapter! ..."

And before you ask, I'm hyper on caffeine.

[Incongruous]

Gah! Chapter?

[Rodion Romanovich]

Sorry, lot of stuff to do just before summer holidays begin. Chapter will be postponed for a while.

[IrishArmenian]

No problem, Legio.

[Kagemusha]

Legio,do you still need some additional iformation?I think most were already cleared in the negotiations.:yes:

[Rodion Romanovich]

Maybe; if there's anything that's not clear I'll PM.

[Kagemusha]

Maybe; if there's anything that's not clear I'll PM.
ok.:bow:

[SwordsMaster]

Bopa , to your PM, yes. And you must clear your inbox... :yes:

[Franconicus]

Bopa , to your PM, yes. And you must clear your inbox... :yes:

Just for the rest:
Bopa had asked, if the 17th centuriy was already over and when the 18th would be started!

[Incongruous]

Germany, always one step ahead.
No but seriously, soon we shall be employing large battallions of Jagers!:yes:

OOC: @Swordmaster Inbox cleared.

[IrishArmenian]

I don't follow...

[Franconicus]

Legio, do you have a kind of time planning, that can bring some light in your day?

[Incongruous]

This dead?

[Kagemusha]

I hope not.Still waiting for the chapter.:embarassed:

[Rodion Romanovich]

No not dead, but I still have a lot of other things to do. Maybe a chapter this weekend, though ~:)

[Rodion Romanovich]

Hm, I have to put this interactive on ice for a while. At the moment I can't say exactly when it'll be back.

[Kagemusha]

:shame: Thats a shame.But Legio,this interactive has been a blast.Thanks for creating it.:bow: I hope it wont die,but if it will.Thanks to all the players of 17th century,this was the best interactive i have been playing.:gathering:

[Marshal Murat]

Does someone want to take over the post of 'Story-teller'?

[Incongruous]

I feel sad...

[IrishArmenian]

Take your time Legio! I don't think anyone can replace him. This is the most epic interactive ever!

[King Kurt]

Can I add my appreciation for Legio's efforts - what he has achieved has been fantastic fun and a truely immersive game. Hopefully, after a rest from the rigours of the 17th Century, Legio will come back refreshed and ready to restart this great campaign.

I expect that it is probably the pressure of work or study :juggle2: which prevents Legio from devoting enough time to the interactive - isn't it a pain when they get in the way of the important things in life!! :laugh4:

[Franconicus]

Gentlemen, I would like to remind you of this wonderful thread which is dead now for 10 years, but I still remember it with pleasure. I wonder if it is possible to start it again?

[Kagemusha]

Hi! I would be ready for one more game of IH. It was great fun to play these.:yes: One has to wonder how many of us still check the forums.

[Arjos]

I'd be up to it too ^^

[Franconicus]

So we have two experienced players. Very good. We need at least three more.

[Csargo]

Yeah I'll give it a go again.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[Franconicus]

Perfect
:balloon2::balloon3::balloon:

[Kagemusha]

How are we going to pick up the factions?

[Franconicus]

We now have four players. We need to have at least one more, then we start.

[Fisherking]

Ok, I'm in.

[Franconicus]

Brilliant! :bounce:

O.K., let's start on Monday.
As soon as I posted the new Thread, you may pick up the faction you want to have.