17th century

Hey, Legio, seeing as there is over 1000 replies to the thread, I was thinking that maybe it is worth starting a new thread for this thing. It is getting increasingly difficult to find past chapters, proclamations, etc...

I was also thinking, maybe you could compile copies of all the chapters into your first post so we have them all together... I don't mean removing them from wherever they are posted, but just for keeping an overview of the general turn of events. You could just compile the actual chapters without the decisions at the end...

Hm, maybe... But I'd like to see what Kraxis and/or other mods thinks of that idea first. Maybe someone could make a list of links to the posts containing the chapters, and I could add those links to the first post of the thread.

i reckon it is a good idea, as I was greatly confused other day about Chapters.


If you want Legio, I will make an list of links to all chapters?

Okay legio, i have done the list!

Here is an list of all Chapters and whta posts its on.

Prolouge
Chapter 2
Chapter 3-You may have to go down the page to see it as its on the same page as Chapter 2
Chapters 4 and 5-Please scroll down the page for Chapter 5
Chapter 6 Post #150
Chapter 7- post #227
Chapter 8post #301
Chapter 9 post #420
Chapter 10- post #539
Chapter 11-Post #632
Chapter 12 - Post #768
Chapter 13 Post #925

Thanks Warluster!

@all: the next chapter will come tonight I think. Sorry about the delay, but it's almost finished now.

Ignoramus, could you please empty your PM box? I need to send a response to your PM!

Most Joyfull Birthday to King James of England,otherwise known as King Kurt!:bow: ~:cheers: :2thumbsup:

CHAPTER 14 - it is now: August 1st, 1615 AD
...the decisions made will affect the events from August 1st, 1615 AD to March 1st, 1616 AD

The siege of Vienna continues, with increasing bombardment from the Ottoman artillery. Stakes and trenches are set up to guard the rear of their camp, with light cavalry guarding the flanks of the most likely approach of the Holy League forces, and heavy cavalry guarding the center. The camp proves too well fortified to be easily penetrable by the Polish cavalry, and the difficult mountain section not far from the camp is difficult for their heavy cavalry to cross safety with the Ottoman light cavalry patrolling the area. The raiding forces instead concentrate on remote and isolated parts of the supply train. In the middle of the month, 500 Polish cavalrymen successfully disperse a large group of Ottoman troops transporting supplies and more artillery to Vienna. They manage to capture 10 guns and destroy the remainder. The Ottoman supply is increasingly hampered by the aggressive raids, and the Ottomans more frequently make sorties with their light cavalry from their fortified camp to meet up with the supply troops on their way to the camp. The husaria, being heavily outnumbered and in terrain more favorable to the Ottoman cavalry, are after less than two weeks forced to end their raids close to the Ottoman camp.

Meanwhile, the Holy League seem to be directing their greatest efforts against more peripheral regions. The Spanish operations on several fronts continue, and a small core of Polish troops lead a Cossack invasion of Bulgaria. A force of at least 20,000 raid the countryside and smaller cities along the Black sea coast, and put Varna under siege. The Ottoman garrisons here are thinned out a lot, but local militias assemble to resist the siege of the major cities and fortresses. Varna is also initially supplied by Ottoman ships.

In Cyprus, the Spanish troops with auxiliaries (including the Knights of St John) capture Famagusta and Nicosia, and receive increasing support from part of the Greek population. Only Kyrenia remains in Ottoman hands by April, and the Spanish supply situation on the island improves drastically as spring begins. A large militia force of around 4,000 men from the Greek population join the Spanish force.

In Egypt, 2 Spanish tercios land in early April to capture Alexandria and support the garrison in the Suez area in a risky surprise attack. They quickly run into supply problems and are also surprised by a sizeable Ottoman garrison in the city. Over the last month, the Ottomans have been assembling their forces for an attack on the Spanish troops in the Suez region. It hasn't left Alexandria when the Spanish troops arrive. Not far from the city, the 2 Spanish tercios with auxiliaries forming a total of less than 8,000 men are overwhelmed by over 20,000 Ottoman troops. Against the Ottoman light cavalry and light infantry force, the tercios are at their best. They repel several mamluk charges but are forced to withdraw as the Ottomans receive artillery reinforcements from the city. Around 1,500 Ottoman cavalrymen are lost, while the Spanish force lose almost 2,000 men including a difficult retreat with naval extraction to Cyprus. Not long afterwards, the Ottoman force from Alexandria moves up to Suez where it quickly defeats the Spanish fortified positions, capturing several Spanish auxiliary troops, along with a few merchants. The newly reinforced French garrison at Port Said is put under siege, while most other camps or fortifications of Christian merchants and soldiers in the region are dispersed. A small force of English troops from Aden lands on the southern side of the Suez. Meanwhile, the Spanish naval forces near Egypt have managed to establish complete superiority. They sink numerous Ottoman ships and raid the coastlines heavily, capturing supplies, taking slaves and pillaging, but the Ottoman local militias manage to prevent them from entering any of the major cities. With the arrival of the defeated land forces from Egypt, the force besieging Kyrenia is capable of capturing the city after a bloody assault in which almost 300 Spanish troops and 500 Greek militia are lost.

In Greece, the Spanish force captures Athens after a short bombardment. The support of the local population is hesitant but they aren't hostile. Virtually unopposed by land forces, the Spanish troops quickly improve their supply situation and advance far inland, while sending reconnaissance units and raiding parties to make contact with the Ottoman supply train to Vienna. When the scouts return to the Spanish camps in Athens in May, they report that the Ottoman supply train escorts to the north are small and could easily be damaged severely by a force of around 500 cavalrymen. Meanwhile, 2 more Spanish tercios are landed in the area. However not only the Ottoman supply in the region is threatened. The Spanish naval forces in the archipelagos outside Greece are at a disadvantage against the galley-based Ottoman fleet, which has decided to direct its full efforts against the isolated Spanish fleet here. In May, a major naval battle is fought not far off the coast from Athens. The Spanish force consists of 11 warships, several merchants, and around 50 galleys, while the Ottoman force consists of nearly 250 galleys, and 5 modern warships. The Ottoman force immediately strikes the outnumbered Spanish force of galleys, which tries to retreat from the Ottoman force while the Spanish warships wear them down with cannon fire, but many of them are captured in a small bay, with Ottomans and Spanish galleys mixing so closely that the major warships have difficulties targetting the Ottoman ships specifically. Meanwhile, the Ottoman modern warships are able to move in close to the Spanish galleys captured in the bay. In the ensuing mess, the most manouverable of the Spanish warships try to go around the force of galleys to quickly take out the Ottoman modern warships and quickly secure complete superiority in guns before the force of Spanish galleys is too heavily reduced, while 1 larger, less manouverable warship stays at the entrance of the bay. 1 of the Spanish warships runs aground in the difficult conditions, but the other 9 are soon forcing the Ottoman modern warships to an engagement, sinking 2 of them in less than half an hour and forcing the other 3 into retreat, heavily damaged. Closing up on the battle of the galleys, the Spanish warships begin to direct increasingly accurate cannon fire toward the Ottoman galleys. The Ottoman galleys, having disrupted most of the Spanish galley fleet, try to retreat through the bay. The isolated larger Spanish warship singlehandedly tries to oppose and cut off the Ottoman galleys as they try to escape the bay, inflicting heavy damage on them, but there are too few Spanish galleys left to be able to cut off or capture the Ottoman galleys as they escape through narrow straits to deny the Spanish warships the chance of pursuit. At the end of the battle, the Ottomans have lost 2 modern warships and 35 galleys, and around 30 galleys have been captured. The Spanish have lost 1 2nd rate warship, 5 merchants, and nearly 35 galleys, while 3 warships have taken light damage (but could be repaired not long after the battle).

Meanwhile, Spanish land troops secure Corinth, in what seems to be a campaign to relieve Greece from Ottoman control. Most of the local population is still hesitant. The Spanish forces besiege the cities that don't surrender, arising some impopularity, but support is simultaneously also increasing due to the lack of Ottoman interference, and a small regiment of around 500 men join the Spanish forces at the beginning of June. The Spanish logistical situation is however getting increasingly problematic. There is no shortage of supplies during the summer, but the threat of the Ottoman fleet raiding Spanish merchants, reports of Barbary Coast pirates striking Spanish merchant ships further west in the Mediterranean, and the Ottoman main fleet of galleys that threatens to strike again. In June, they indeed make another attempt, trying to take the Spanish fleet by surprise, entering the bay from two directions by night to block the exits for the Spanish warships. After about an hour of fighting, most of the Spanish warships are able to break out of the encirclement, while several Spanish merchants are sunk and boarded by Ottoman forces. Nearly 40 Ottoman galleys are sunk and at least 30 take damage, but the Spanish lost 3 lighter warships and nearly 12 merchants, some of which were simply abandoned in the harbor as the warships tried to break out of the bay. After the battle, the remaining 6 Spanish warships leave the seas outside Greece to gather reinforcements from the fleet at Cyprus, and to raid Ottoman transports in the more open seas outside Anatolia, where they are easy targets. At least 10 transports are sunk and 30 captured. By July, the Ottoman fleet leaves Greek waters.

Meanwhile at Vienna, the Ottoman forces in May gather for an assault on the city. With most of their army still intact, the assault is overwhelming in its strength. With their cavalry and fortifications covering their rear, the Ottomans send in militia and sappers to break through the city defenses. Compared to the Ottoman artillery, the sappers prove extremely effective against the defenses of the city. The first wave of Ottoman militia sent into the city is repelled by the garrison, who have managed to restore their formations and positioned their artillery both on the shattered defenses and in the streets. As the Ottoman second wave is to begin its assault, the Ottomans spot the arrival of the Holy League forces who have begun crossing the mountains to hit the assaulting Ottoman forces in the rear. After some hesitation, the Ottoman second wave is sent in. The Jannissaries manage to break through the weakest points of the line of defenders, but the 10,000 man large dug in garrison troops still manage to hold their own against the waves of attackers. Meanwhile, the 48,000 men large Holy League army are coming down from the mountains. The Ottoman commander orders the light cavalry to strike them while they are on difficult ground. The reaction however comes too late, with the Holy League force already having finished crossing the mountains by the time the cavalry arrives. Despire this, the Ottoman light cavalry performs well when met by a much smaller force of Holy League cavalry, but the Holy League core of nearly 35,000 professional infantry and plenty of artillery support the League cavalry. The 2,000 husaria, supported by small forces of Spanish, Imperial and Catholic League cavalry take extreme casualties when overwhelmed by the 35,000 Ottoman cavalrymen, but the tercios and artillery fire salvoes into the heaps of unsupported Ottoman cavalry, which are eventually forced back with around 3,000 casualties after less than 30 minutes, however after successfully killing and injuring most of the Holy League cavalry and killing some of the League's levy infantry. The Holy League force, severely hampered by this loss, still continues their march towards the Ottoman camp, where their high quality infantry will be at their best. Upon seeing their light cavalry pushed back, the Ottoman commander again has to make a difficult choice on whether to reinforce the assault, or direct the major firepower towards the approaching field battle. About half of the Jannissaries are inside the city. He chooses to put the levies to defend the perimeter of the fortified camp, while rotating the artillery from the city defenses, where it has been inefficient, towards the approaching League forces. Half of the remaining Jannissaries charge inside the city to support the assault, which is now gaining ground rapidly. The right flank of the Holy League force retreats behind a small hill to avoid the worst Ottoman artillery barrage as more and more of their cannons redirect their fire towards them, while the left flank fires heavy salvoes against the Ottoman militia until they can receive better artillery support. The remaining 8,000 Jannissaries form up at the perimeter of the camp, while the Ottoman cavalry moves around the flank of the Holy League force, covering their most likely path of retreat and awaiting them to move out of their defensive position. Recognizing the danger, Spinola orders the Holy League artillery to concentrate their fire on the Ottoman cavalry, to clear their back to allow a safe assault against the rear of the Ottoman fortified camp before the assault of Vienna can be completed, and the bulk of the Jannissaries sent to reinforce the forces guarding their rear. As the Ottoman cavalry retreats out of range of the artillery, Spinola is forced to begin the assault despite not having his back clear. Initially around half of the infantry is sent in on the left flank, where the Ottomans are weaker, breaking through the lines of sharpened stakes, trenches, ditches and gunwaggons. They take heavy casualties but manage to open a breach in the line of the levies. Meanwhile, the Ottoman light cavalry strikes the remaining half of the infantry outside the breaches, raiding the Holy League artillery but are eventually forced into retreat after again suffering numerous casualties to the tercios. After several hours, the Holy League has broken through the outer defenses and have nearly routed the around 40,000 levy infantry, 8,000 Jannissaries and 32,000 cavalry guarding the Ottoman rear, but at the same time the forces inside the city have been forced to surrender, and Spinola, in the face of the threat of the 22,000 Jannissaries from the city assault joining the force guarding the Ottoman rear, orders a retreat through the mountains, where the reduced force is harassed by the surviving Ottoman cavalry. By the end of the day, the Holy League has lost most of its cavalry, most of its artillery, around 3,000 infantry, and the entire city garrison consisting of 8,500 men, of which at least 900 were killed. The Ottomans have lost around 6,000 cavalry and 6,000 infantry but have successfully captured the city and are still too strong for the Holy League force to defeat in its entirety in a field battle. The Ottomans garrison the city with around 17,000 men, while preparing the remainder for a field battle and to secure the supply, which could soon be heavily threatened by the Spanish and Polish diversionary operations. By July, the Ottoman forces have lost around 8,000 troops in total to supply problems, but Ottoman light cavalry has also located the Holy League camp to the northwest. The Ottoman force now consists of 130,000 men: 8,000 Transylvanian troops, among which 3,000 are Hungarian hussars, 27,000 Jannissaries, 25,000 light cavalry, 3,200 heavy cavalry, 44,000 levy infantry, 42,700 support troops of various kinds, 7 war elephants and still a huge amount of artillery pieces, including captured Holy League artillery. They also hold around 5,000 Holy League troops prisoner. The Holy League force now consists of 9,000 Imperial, 4,500 Catholic League, 29,000 Spanish, 9,000 Austrian and Hungarian, 1,000 Polish levies, 1,000 Polish husaria, for a total of 53,500 men.

Previously to these events, in France, the revolt has grown large. The French garrison in Marseille revolts in February, there are riots in Paris - which the Guard de Gascoigne manage to hold back from the King's palace, and there are also reports of unrest in the area around Orléans. The newly formed King's Ebony Guard regiment, upon landing in Marseille, doesn't know whether to fight the numerally superior garrison there or join it, and are soon scattered. The King assembles the nobles in Paris to delay the revolt, find out more about its causes, and if possible indulge them. He forces the nobles to swear a personal oath to the king in return for promises of acquiring a share of the tribute from the war, and 75% of the nobles accept the offer, the others leaving the meeting in refusal. Shortly afterwards, in April, Duc de Rohan arrives in Paris, and his 15,000 men prevent the riots from being renewed. 800 men from the Ebony Guard regiment arrives shortly afterwards. Meanwhile, the French southern army has set up camp in Lyon, awaiting orders regarding the rebel garrison in Marseille, joined by mercenaries and levies. In May, they receive orders to put down the revolt, and march south to defeat the garrison and capture the general commanding it. Considering the stability satisfactory, the French king also orders duc de Rohan to lead an expedition to reinforce the French fortified trading position in Port Said, to secure it against possible Ottoman attack. The King's Black Regiment is also sent from South Africa to support the garrison at Suez. By June, Richelieu, who is in command of the forces at Marseille, has put under siege the revolting garrison. The garrison at Paris prepares a force of 8,000 men to defeat the unrest in the area around Orléans.

In the Holy Roman Empire, the Catholic League quickly responds to the revolt of the Northern Protestant kurfürsts from the Protestant Union by sending 7,000 men, so far unclear whether for the purpose of taking them under the Empire's control (as previously with Donauwörth), or dividing the land between the Catholic kurfürsts that are part of the League. The Catholic League force led by Tilly quickly defeats a 6,000 man large Protestant Union force in a battle near Bayreuth, capture the city, and proceed to Anhalt, which they put under siege after failing to capture it by assault. The revolt is led by Anhalt, Bayreuth, Baden, Hesse-Kassel and Württemberg, who are unable to send any support to Anhalt until in July. Meanwhile, Brandenburg continues paying the tribute for the war, and the Emperor continues paying the tribute to France. The French troops prepare for withdraw from the last garrisoned cities in the western parts of the Empire once the last payment has been received.

Meanwhile at Riga, the Swedish reduce the garrison while navally supplying the remaining troops. The remaining garrison is large enough to hold back Polish assaults and is supplied by sea, but in return, the Polish receive more artillery by the end of June. In May, the withdrawn Swedish troops land in the vicinity of Danzig with a force of 7,000 mercenaries and 13,500 regulars for a total of 21,500 troops. The force divides in two groups with one moving for Elblag and the other for Danzig. They attempt assaults on both cities after a short bombardment for only 10 days. The Polish have no regular troops in the area, but the militias have been levied to reinforce the coastal cities. Elblag is captured after the militia there is defeated rather easily, but the militia in Danzig manages to hold back the assault. After the failed assault, Elblag is held with a small garrison while the two armies meet up at Danzig, reinforcing the bombardment there. Despite the garrison being heavily outnumbered, they manage to resist for several months. The city is well fortified, but there is no Polish relief force or fleet threatening the Swedish rear, allowing them to attempt two more assaults with their back free. In July, the city falls after a third assault. In the process, the total Swedish casualties have mounted to nearly 1,500 in total, due to fierce resistance from the levies and various merchants in the city. The Swedish troops follow up the success with an advance south along the Vistula towards Bydgoszcz and Torun, the first of which is put under siege and at the beginning of August is already threatened by the effective Swedish artillery. At Riga, the Polish increasing artillery bombardment shatters the Swedish defenses, but the Swedish naval supply remains a problem, making the siege ineffective. Swedish attempts to conduct raids from the city towards Polish isolated units are ineffective, and retreat to the defenses before being defeated. At the end of the summer, the Polish prepare for an assault against the 5,000 man large Swedish garrison with the newly arrived artillery. The current Polish artillery is much stronger than the Swedish artillery, but slower and heavier.

In Northern Italy, Venice in July takes advantage of the Spanish being stretched thin by the actions against the Ottomans, and strike the Spanish held Florence with 9,000 men and 20 guns. The Spanish force in Florence, consisting of 2,000 men, is taken by surprise by the attack without prior declaration of war, and lose control over the city, losing 200 killed and 500 captured. The Spanish repond by assembling their forces in Northern Italy near Parma, preparing to either move south to reinforce the garrison at Livorno, or east to try and cut off the Venetian retreat.

In Savoy, the situation seems to have calmed down. The Spanish accept the escape of the Medicis to France, and the countries reestablish good relations. The royal marriage between Savoy and Spain is completed. France sells off remaining French grain stockpiles to southern Germany. No more loans are granted for Wladyslaw.

In Russia, the war between Vassili and Wladyslaw continues. Vassili and Wladyslaw both end up directing their main efforts in the peripheral regions northwest of Moscow and Nizny Novograd. Vassili sends around 16,000 more men to the region to have 18,000 to meet Wladyslaw's force, which has now increased to 10,000 men due to the French loan and increased Polish assistance. Wladyslaw continues his campaign by attempting an assault on Pskov in May, but the assault is repelled. In June, fearing that Vassili's forces are threatening Tver and the supply, he lifts the siege and marches east, where he meets Vassili's forces in battle somewhere between Pskov and Novgorod. Despite being outnumbered, Wladyslaw's force manages to defeat the Russian militia with the help of his core of 5,000 skilled cavalrymen. Around 900 of Vassili's forces are killed and 300 captured, Wladyslaw losing only 150 men. However fearing that Vassili's forces will be able to recover from the defeat quickly, Wladyslaw renews the siege of Pskov hoping to capture it before retreating to Moscow to reinforce and rest the army over the winter. Pskov falls in July after a third assault, but hampered by the casualties and threat of Vassili's forces possibly being stronger than previously, in August he retreats to the 3,000 man large garrison in Moscow with his 8,800 men from the campaign.

Denmark lands a small force to build a colony on Greenland, and send a small expedition to establish another trade post in India. A Dutch base has been established at the southern tip of South America. A Dutch base has been established on Madagascar. Dutch expeditions in the East Indies discover a large island they name New Holland. They draw maps of the western coast of it, and go ashore in a few places, but establish no colony. The East India company expands its trading posts in the East Indies, especially in the Phillippines, however without touching Spanish settlements there. The tensions between the Spanish and Dutch East India Companies increases due to these actions, and the fact that the Spanish East India company has assembled nearly as many ships as the Dutch - 25 compared to 32. The French continue paying the St Peter's Basilica tax to the Pope

The Emperor Ferdinand announces a new constitution: "The New German Riechstag. It shall be made up of reperesentatives from each state and free city. Each electomust choose ten representatives, five lay and five ecclesiastical from their estates, each city may have five, including the mayor. The varius kings, pinces and Dukes of the Imperial family shall be present and from their own group of fifteen represenatives. The Emperor shall sit as head of this Upper house, this house shall vote on issues either brought up by the Emperor (obviously of interest to the Electors) or by the Lower house. The Lower House shall be made up of the foremost members of each County, Part, Electorate state, or Kingdom, of or under the title or sire/knight/ or castellan. They shall vote for a High Minister, whom shall reside for five years over the house, moderate, veto and represent the Lower house (represent it in the Upper House)."

A large amount of Catholic refugees settle in Poland.

Trade summary: most trade in the Mediterranean has suffered from the war. Trade in the East Indies is dominated by the Dutch East India Company, with Spain coming second, England and France sharing the third place. Spain and France dominate the slave trade. France dominates trade from African colonies, followed by Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark. Indian trade is almost equally shared between Spain, England and France, with the Netherlands and Denmark coming second. North American trade is dominated by France almost without competition. South American trade is dominated almost without competition by Spain. Grain trade is dominated by Poland and Denmark, with France coming second but increasing rapidly.



BRANDENBURG

1. the revolts
a. support them with mercenaries, trying to keep it secret (but it's possible it will leak out eventually) from the Emperor
b. don't support them, it would be treachery towards the Emperor, and an unprovoked declaration of war. Denmark could possibly come to the Emperor's support
c. send your own army to defeat the Catholic League at Anhalt. Your own 7,000 men along with mercenaries and men from Baden, Hesse-Kassel and Württemberg could defeat the 7,000 men. That would weaken the Catholic League. Assisting these kurfürsts in gaining independence would, if successful, create a useful buffer zone for you, as well as weakening the Catholic League, strengthening your independence, and make you regain your lost popularity within the Protestant Union

2. reforming your army
a. keep it as it is, with 7,000 homegrown forces (of which most are infantry) and filling up with mercenaries when going to war
b. form an army of 7,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 500 elite cavalry. This would be bearable for your economy
c. as b, but also acquire modern light artillery from Sweden, cavalry mercenaries from Hungaria, Poland or Finland, and flintlock muskets from France, Spain and/or others who are capable of producing them
d. any of the above, specify which, but let the reform wait until in 3-5 years, when the economy has better recovered from the previous war
e. any of the above, specify which, but raise taxes temporarily to recover economically from the war in the coming 2-5 years, despite carrying out the reforms
d. something else, specify

3. Vassal duty towards the Polish king. The Polish king might demand you to send 2,000 troops to assist him against the Swedish at Elblag and Danzig
a. send them if asked for
b. send them in any case
c. don't send them
d. actively support the Swedish. Send 5,000 of your troops to help their campaign at the Vistula, and use your fleet to supply them


ENGLAND

1. the situation at the Suez. What should your 3,000 troops on the southern side of Suez do? What should your warships in the area do?
a. pull back, to avoid ending up at war with the Ottomans despite the political consequences it could have
b. try to get the troops to harass Ottoman supply between Alexandria and Port Said
c. navally extract them, since they can't hope to achieve much in breaking through the Ottoman siege of Port Said
d. launch a campaign of naval raids in Egypt and the Arabian peninsula, and/or attempt to increase your influence in the vicinity of Aden

2. the trade and colonies
a. try to expand the colonies and strenghten the economy further while possible enemies of England are tied down in fighting the Ottomans
b. establish English bases in Africa now that Spain and France probably haven't got resources to stop you, to weaken the Papal bull. Having bases in Africa will probably make resupply, transportation and trade between European ports and India and the East Indies easier. This could be an excellent chance to invalidate that bull, especially if also the Netherlands and Denmark would be convinced to establish colonies in these areas now
c. temporarily withdraw assistance in pirate hunting from exposed Spanish and French positions. This could make the Spanish and French trade fleets suffer, without being a casus belli for either of them
d. you recently found out about previous meetings between the Netherlands, France and Spain to divide the claims for colonies in India between Spain, France and the Netherlands. The French part (east) was given up to Denmark in a recent peace treaty. The Spanish part is the western part, the Dutch are to colonize the southern tip and Ceylon. Against this, England may need to, by negotiations with some or all of these 3 countries, try to secure her claims in India and make the English colonization in India acceptable to the others.


FRANCE

1. Port Said under siege
a. carry out a naval extraction. Later during the winter the retreat will be more difficult
b. reinforce the position
c. at least move out Duc de Rohan, to avoid risking to lose one of your most loyal and skilled generals

2. the revolt
a. assault Marseille as soon as possible, even if the casualties will be high. It will probably end the core of the revolt before more will join it
b. don't assault Marseille now - high casualties for beating a revolt could increase unhappiness
c. decrease the land force strength of the siege of Marseille to the minimum for continuing the siege, use the fleet to blockade the city, and move the remainder to join an expedition towards the Orléans area together with 8,000 men from the Paris garrison.
d. decrease the land force strength of the siege of Marseille to the minimum for continuing the siege, use the fleet to blockade the city, and move the remainder to join an expedition towards the Orléans area together with 8,000 men from the Paris garrison and 5,000 from La Rochelle.

3. reactions to the Venetian attack on Spanish-held positions?

4. reactions to the successful Ottoman assault on Vienna?


HRE and AUSTRIA

1. the last of four major payments of the tribute to France is just about to be paid
a. pay it
b. refuse to pay it

2. Vienna
a. let Spinola decide how to continue
b. stay out of battle for the winter, and attack in the spring. Most likely, the Ottomans will be weakened by then, and they can both suffer huge casualties and will lose Vienna again
c. if the Ottomans retreat, put Vienna under siege to retake it, but otherwise do as in b
d. gain some more cavalry and send artillery from your garrisons, then go to battle again. Hire mercenaries too. This means fighting the Ottomans in about 2 months from now, when attrition will hopefully also have worn them down

3. the revolts. Beware that Spain may consider sending troops from the front towards Venice. If they do, you will not be able to pull back that many more of your troops from Vienna, if you are to be able to prevent the Ottomans from advancing further west. On the other hand, if they consider their rear threatened enough to withdraw, you don't need a single soldier northwest of Vienna to defend the remaining lands from them (but you will need a few to keep up normal order). However if the Ottomans withdraw, your best chance of retaking Vienna is if it is besieged and attacked pretty soon, before the defenses have been repaired and the Ottomans have reestablished and again secured their supply lines from the operations in Bulgaria and Greece
a. if choosing a defensive strategy at Vienna, you could perhaps send some more troops to temporarily assist the Catholic League in beating the revolts. 10,000 more men to Anhalt during the winter would probably be enough to capture the city and hold back assistance sent from the other kurfürsts.
b. as a, but try to convince the Catholic League to provide these 10,000 men. After all, they should have a reserve at home in Bavaria and their other territories. Don't send any own troops
c. as a and b combined, to get up to 20,000 troops if possible
d. try to choose an offensive strategy at Vienna. If victorious, you could quickly free up more troops for dealing with the revolt. A second army could attack the western flank of the rebels at the same time you deal with Anhalt. That would put a quick end to the revolt

4. the land captured from the rebels. What should be done with it? It could be given to the kurfürsts of the Catholic League, to Tilly, to the Habsburgs and/or to be taken under the Emperor's direct control (as with Donauwörth), the latter preferably with guarantees of handing it over to a new leader after some specified time. Decide what to do about the land. So far, no rebel kurfürst has been captured, most of them have escaped.

5. the situation in France, with Catholic revolts
a. don't do anything now except statements. After defeating the rebels at home, possibly prepare a military operation
b. plan an attack the French 15,000 soldiers in the western parts of the Empire, before the last parts of the tribute can be payed. Deliberately try to delay the payment of the tribute (delayed tribute payment isn't odd, and could very well happen from natural causes), as a bait to keep them in the land, separated from the French main army, while you beat the revolt and the Ottomans at Vienna. Then you can attack the isolated 15,000 men and be able to attack a weakened France
c. offer French Catholic refugees to come to the Empire to avoid the French oppression
d. don't do anything

6. an Imperial Army. You had Wallenstein begin the formation of an Imperial army during the previous war, but the effort was hampered as he was constantly kept away from the project. Only some 12,000 men were ever assembled (of which 10,000 are now at Vienna), and sent in in small portions at the time. You could try to form a new Imperial army now that there is peace. Spinola can handle the situation at Vienna. With an Imperial army, the revolts would be easier to beat, and the segregated Empire could better defend itself against outer threats. Right now, it seems a 25,000 man large Imperial army wouldn't be impossible. Up to 50,000 men could be possible in a few years.
a. order Wallenstein to launch the project again. Make him form a 20,000 man large army. In the meantime, have the armies in Austria, Hungary and Bohemia restored to their previous quality before the war, to be able to look to their defenses and keep unrest under control
b. restore the armies in Austria, Hungary and Bohemia to begin with, and improve fortifications and defenses there

7. Venice
a. condemn the actions of Venice
b. as a, but also assist the Spanish. In return, the Habsburgs could gain a piece of land in the Adriatic Sea, which could be very useful for securing greater trade income in the future
c. do nothing

8. any options you'd like to change regarding Catholic stance from previous chapter (such as coronation in Rome, and what the new constitution will be). Also, you can contact the Catholic League by PM (me) to negotiate with them. You probably need their support to remain in power, as their military power is superior to the military power of all others within the Empire. Tilly is controlled by the Catholic League, Wallenstein is under your command personally


NETHERLANDS

1. reactions to the current situation in the HRE
a. assist the rebels with money, to make sure the Catholic League is tied down and kept busy, to limit the strength of the Emperor, otherwise he will perhaps use his strength to attack the Netherlands soon in the future
b. don't assist the rebels, and use the time to build up your economy, maintain internal stability, and continue with colonization. A strengthened Emperor perhaps isn't likely to attack the Netherlands as his primary target, but rather the Protestant North and/or France
c. assist the Emperor, in return for being promised full control over Cologne. You could attack the western flank of the rebellion in their rear, and cause severe damage to them

2. reactions to the situation in France
a. offer support to the rebels, to weaken France, to prevent them from threatening Southern Netherlands, to which they made claims earlier
b. offer support to the French King to enable him to secure the position of the Huguenots compared to the Catholics. With outside support from Protestants, he will be able to prevent being forced to become a puppet of the Catholic nobles to appease them
c. take advantage of the situation to destroy the French provoking forts in South Africa. The French Black regiment has been withdrawn from the region, so they should be easy to capture

3. suggestions to the East India Company
a. try to establish contact with Japan and/or China
b. try to colonize parts of New Holland (Australia), or explore the island further
c. order them to expand more aggressively to secure their positions compared to the increasingly strong Spanish East India Company


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. Vienna
a. march to the Holy League camp and force them into a field battle. Another victory, and Vienna will be completely secured in Ottoman hands for a long time. If the Holy League retreats, pursue them for a while
b. use the troops to garrison Vienna, secure the supply, and attack the Holy League forces if they besiege the Vienna garrison
c. leave a garrison in Vienna, and retreat to the possibly cut off Spanish forces in Greece and the Polish forces in Bulgaria. Acting quickly in these areas is necessary to prevent the Greek population from taking up arms alongside the Spanish, and prevent the Greek troops from deserting the Vienna army
d. move/deport previously captured rebels and/or criminals to Vienna, to quickly get a sizeable Ottoman population and garrison without trying up more than perhaps 5,000 Ottoman regular troops.
e. burn Vienna to the ground, and retreat, to concentrate on defensive operations

2. Varna
a. send the 10,000 men from the Crimea to support the city. Use the ships you still have in the Black Sea to support the operation. Then the city will be secured from siege for at least the winter
b. send forces from the Vienna army to Varna, specify how many and which troop types
c. send the forces in both a and b
d. don't bother about Bulgaria for the time being

3. Greece
a. send 60,000 men to be absolutely sure of victory against the 5 Spanish tercios and possible Greek reinforcements
b. send 40,000 men. If there isn't massive Greek support, these should be able to defeat the Spanish forces rather easily
c. send 30,000 men. If there isn't massive Greek support, these should be able to defeat the Spanish forces, perhaps with some difficulty
d. don't send any troops

4. French Port Said under siege (around 5,000 mercenaries along with the newly arrived assistance led by Duc de Rohan)
a. assault quickly, to secure the position in Egypt and Suez, before the Spanish decide to support the French here, or the French receive further reinforcements. The Christian factions control the seas here, so it's difficult to predict what could be sent in and when
b. wear them out, thus minimizing Ottoman casualties in the operation
c. abandon the siege and use the force to defend Alexandria, in case the Spanish try to attack there again

5. Alexandria and other North African garrisons
a. use 5,000 militia as garrison (as now). This will allow the force at Port Said (slightly over 20,000) to come to the relief of the city in case it is besieged
b. increase the garrison to 10,000 men by moving troops from smaller cities, and calling in even more reserves
c. decrease the garrison to 1,500 to be able to send 4,500 more to Port Said


POLAND

1. Polish-Swedish war
a. abandon Riga after another assault attempt, then try to as quickly as possible respond to the Swedish attack before it damages more important cities
b. wait a few months then abandon Riga, after another assault attempt, and seek to engage them in a field battle south of Danzig
c. continue besieging Riga, while sending a small force formed by withdrawing some support from Wladyslaw and Vienna, to contain the Swedish force. Some 10,000 men should be able to, by manouver warfare, limit the possibilities of movement for the Swedish forces, preventing them from capturing any more cities. When Riga has been taken, send reinforcements to defeat the Swedish force in battle
d. rally more levies and hire more mercenaries, and do one of the above. Specify which.

2. Bulgaria
a. try to take Varna as soon as possible, and settle with that as main goal of the campaign
b. concentrate on sending the troops further south, where they can actually interfere more with the Ottoman supply
c. redirect the strike into Transylvania, to threaten Bethlen, who has sent assistance to the Ottomans at Vienna, and force him to withdraw from there to defend his homelands
d. withdraw the Polish husaria to move them to Danzig and/or Riga

3. Vienna
a. suggest a new battle against the Ottomans very soon
b. suggest a defensive strategy, attacking the Ottomans again after attrition has worn them down after several months of winter
c. send more Polish levies and/or husaria and/or mercenaries to assist in the campaign
d. withdraw Polish support from Vienna, to move them elsewhere, specify where

4. what should Wladyslaw do next?
a. defend Moscow and the captured cities at all costs, staying on the defensive until more Polish support can be sent after defeating the Swedish and the Ottomans
b. at all costs try to capture Novgorod, then withdraw to Moscow for the rest of the winter. At the same time begin the recruitment of some 5,000-7,000 Russians to begin forming of a Russian army core. The withdrawn French support could make the economical situation for Wladyslaw difficult, though
c. move to Yaroslavl, to try and cut off the supply of Vassili's army in the Novgorod area. From Yaroslavl, recon Nizny Novograd and prepare to threaten the city. Try to intercept Vassili's Novgorod force if it retreats towards Nizny Novograd
d. renew raids east of Moscow, this time taking care not to damage ground belonging to the loyal boyars. This would probably secure Moscow over the coming winter
e. do both c and d, to secure Moscow even better

5. Prussia
a. demand your vassal to send support, by using his fleet to attack the Swedish rear at Elblag and Danzig, and also send 2,000 troops to join a Polish army heading for Elblag and Danzig.
b. don't bother


RUSSIA

1. what to do next?
a. defend Novgorod with a garrison of 2,000 men, then move the remainder to threaten Pskov, trying to tie down Wladyslaw's troops and prevent them from moving to Moscow. In the meantime launch a large-scale operation towards Moscow with 15,000 men from Nizny Novograd (leaving around 4,000 to defend the city). In the Moscow operation, first capture Yaroslavl as a supply base, then move on to Moscow
b. send 5,000 more men to Novgorod, to strengthen the force outside the city so it can relieve the besieged garrison and hopefully inflict defeat on Wladyslaw's field army
c. send 15,000 men from Nizny Novograd (leaving only some 4,000 defending the city) to secure Yaroslavl and your supply to the west, then move on to Tver, to threaten to cut off Wladyslaw's field army at Novgorod and Pskov. If Wladyslaw retreats towards Tver, try to have your two armies converge on him, and meet him in a field battle with around 30,000 of your forces vs his around 10,000
d. send 5,000 men from Nizny Novograd to secure Yaroslavl, then let 3,000 of them move on towards Novgorod. To the west, hold Novgorod with a garrison of 4,000 men while your remaining forces in that area stay out of battle until reinforced. If Wladyslaw seems demoralized and/or weakened, attack him, otherwise - if he withdraws out of reach - threaten Pskov. If Pskov is taken, move on to Tver
e. raid Wladyslaw's supply the best you can, while avoiding field battle. Keep 4,000 men as garrison in Novgorod to prevent Wladyslaw from capturing the city this winter, while letting your remaining forces near Novgorod move towards Tver, possibly with support from Nizny Novograd (if so, specify how many to send).
f. march towards Moscow with almost everything you have got. This means nearly 30,000 troops, leaving around 4,000 in Nizny Novgorod and 2,000 in Novgorod. Establish a supply base in Yaroslavl to support the operation. Casualties due to the schorched earth are expected to be up to 2,000 during the winter.
g. something else, specify what

2. mercenaries. You are running out of money, but could hire some 3,000 more mercenaries now. 1,000 Swedish mercenaries are also payed for. Due to your lack of income this is possibly the last chance you have of reinforcing your army with mercenaries
a. hire cavalry, to secure supply and improve raiding
b. hire infantry, to strengthen your firepower and ability to assault Moscow


SPAIN

1. fleet movements and targets - this is quite complicated, with so many combinations, that I won't give options, but instead some info.
i. if you retreat the land forces from Greece, you won't need any naval forces there, allowing you to free up naval forces from there to use elsewhere
ii. the Ottoman naval forces can be defeated at Greece by around 20 modern warships, but it could take a long time to defeat them, if they keep retreating and attacking over and over again. It will take some time to be able to secure a safe naval extraction of the land troops from Greece to Cyprus or Southern Italy.
iii. the Venetian fleet has at least 20 warships of high quality. These ships can be expected to be in various ports in the territories they control, with the bulk being in the Adriatic Sea. They could interfere with a Spanish naval extraction of the land forces in Greece
iv. the Barbary Coast pirates have only sunk merchants. With some 5 or more warships for escorting all merchant ship movements, it shouldn't be too difficult to secure your position at the Italian peninsula against them
v. Spanish and French ships control the more open seas in the Eastern Mediterranean at this time. There, the warships are often faster than the galleys and above all aren't restricted by lack of manouverability as in the archipelagos and straits in the Aegean Sea
vi. there should still be plenty of Ottoman transports from Anatolia to the Balkans, for supplying the Ottoman Vienna force
vii. most of the coastlines would be vulnerable to an attack from a force of around 15,000-20,000 troops, but smaller forces will be in trouble, judging from the events at Alexandria
viii. more ships could be brought in from the colonies. Around 25 very good warships would be needed to defeat Venice, and around 20 warships would defeat the Ottomans at Greece. Around 5-10 warships would be enough to secure the position against the Ottomans on the more open seas, but these 5-10 warships could have difficulties covering naval landings and extractions, but be effective at destroying Ottoman ships.
ix. if you try to besiege Venice, you could try to move up ships through the Adriatic Sea and threaten their naval supply of the city. However, since the Venetian fleet has at least 20 warships and most of them are currently in this area, it could be risky unless the Spanish force sent here is larger than 20 warships
x. your current fleet operations are:
- pretty much the entire anti-Ottoman force in the Mediterranean is now near Cyprus, carrying out raids on transports from Anatolia, and awaiting further orders. To secure the force in Greece, they need to be able to control the Aegean sea and be able to extract the land troops if necessary.
- small forces of merchants handling supply, reinforcements and/or ammunition etc. to Northern Italy
- small forces of merchants handling transports to and from the eastern Mediterranean

2. Vienna
a. try to acquire more troops, especially cavalry mercenaries from Hungaria as well as Polish husaria, and possibly also infantry reinforcements from the Catholic League. Also request more artillery from the Kaiser's various city garrisons. As soon as you have 50,000 troops, march to Vienna to first fight the Ottomans in a field battle, then besiege the city and retake it
b. try to stay out of battle at all costs while acquiring new artillery. Wait for at least 3 more months, until winter takes its toll on the Ottoman forces, which will hopefully get into problems with the supply
c. withdraw the Spanish troops from Vienna, and move them through the Kaiser's lands to attack Venice in the rear and support the Spanish troops in Northern Italy.
d. as c, but also pull back most of your forces in Greece to Southern Italy, and move them north to also assist the operation. Assemble your anti-Ottoman warfleet at Cyprus into a single force, and attack Venetian islands in the Mediterranean. Move the Northern Italy naval forces to the Iberian peninsula until a larger fleet can be assembled to hold back the Venetian fleet

3. Greece. What to do next?
a. navally extract the Spanish land forces before Venice and the Ottomans cut them off
b. conduct raids on the Ottoman supply with Spanish cavalry. Try to train a Greek army, and prepare the Spanish troops for being cut off and having to fight a difficult defensive campaign in Greece for a few years until reinforced or extracted
c. make sure the naval plans (see other options) keep the extraction path open if needed. Have the troops make as much damage as possible to Ottoman supply for as long as they can while liberating Greek cities. Only if overwhelmed will they be extracted.

4. Venice. Try to make piece on their conditions, or try to move more troops to defeat them? What will the troops currently in Northern Italy do before they are reinforced, if they are reinforced? What will they do after reinforced, if reinforced?

5. the Dutch East India Company
a. order the Spanish EIC to negotiate with the Dutch EIC, to avoid a conflict
b. reinforce the Spanish EIC so it can fight the Dutch EIC
c. do nothing at the moment, it might very well be that there won't be any conflict


SWEDEN

1. Vistula campaign. What will you do next?
a. capture the two next target cities quickly, and prepare to meet the Polish army in field battle. If it doesn't arrive before three months have passed, continue further south and threaten the Polish heartlands
b. retreat to Danzig, where the Polish can't cut you off or forcing you to battle
c. reinforce with a few extra mercenaries, if you have any
d. withdraw everything except a small garrison for holding Danzig, then prepare to move the other forces to Riga. Hopefully it will have held the Polish assaults and the Polish will have been drawn away towards Danzig
e. burn and pillage heavily to damage the Polish

2. Riga campaign. What will you do next?
a. hold the city at all costs
b. reinforce it
c. withdraw and give up the campaign

3. relations with Poland
a. make peace, giving up Danzig and Elblag, but keeping Riga
b. make peace, holding Danzig and Elblag, but handing back Riga
c. peace in some other way, specify
d. don't make peace

4. Danish representatives have complained about your capture of Danzig, since it affects Danish-Polish grain trade. What will your diplomatic and political responses be?


VENICE

1. how will your campaign in Northern Italy continue?
a. try to defend Venice from siege at all costs, while using the fleet to attack the Spanish fleet (specify below what the targets of the fleet will be)
b. try to threaten Livorno, and/or meet the Spanish in field battle before more reinforcements arrive. If possible, try to attach rebels, militia and soldiers/mercenaries provided by Florence to your force to increase its chances
c. stay in Florence to attach more supporters to your force, before moving anywhere. If the Spanish haven't received reinforcements, move to Livorno. If they have been reinforced, defend Venice. If necessary, extract your forces by marching through the lands of the Papal States to the east coast of the Italian peninsula, and have your fleet move the troops to the city of Venice

2. naval actions. Explain how to distribute your fleet over the Mediterranean, and what targets to prioritize
i. navally supplying Venice in case of siege - this requires 25 merchants, and any warship escort you consider necessary
ii. threatening the Spanish forces fighting the Ottomans - this requires 20 warships, and preferably the element of surprise
iii. Spanish naval extraction at Greece - 20 warships attacking their extraction procedure here, if they choose to extract their land forces from Greece, would wreak havoc and cause extreme damage. But if they don't try to extract, there would be no such possibility
iv. harassing Spanish shipping passing the southern tip of the Italian peninsula - 5 warships could do well in cutting off almost all unescorted merchants here
v. attacking Spanish shipping to Northern Italy. Maybe 5 warships could threaten the current presence, 10 warships could maybe be enough against what the Spanish are expected to send there in the coming few months. The problem is that the ships sent here will be sent all the way around the Italian peninsula and be unavailable for defending and supplying Venice, and for blocking the entrace to the Adriatic sea for Spanish forces

3. hiring more mercenaries? Around 3,000 infantry and 500 cavalry is available within two months, and 5,000 more infantry and 1,000 more cavalry available within four months

Offcial Statement from the Kingdom of Brandenburg

I say things of what are in matter, one thing is-

I request the Catholic leage to stop Attacking the protestant union, if you keep attacking The protestant Union any diplomatic relations between us will drop very fast.

To the Ottoman Sultan; I have always remained neutral with you, but your forces are right now a threat to Europe. TO have controlled Norht Africa, Middle East and greece you have to War-Hungrary, so i say this: Retreat from Vieena while you can, if I have to I will assist European Forces, and help destroy you, if you do retreat, I shall make sure diplomacy florushies between us.

To King of Poland: I see reasons both from Sweden and Polan about this war, and if you request troops form Ducal Prussia, I will say no, if you keep requesting, diplomatic relations shall drop. I can not support an war against Sweden, during the War against the HRE they supported us greatly, and we have to re pay them, but we are bound to our treaty.

:france:
The French governments demands, that the Ottomans end the siege of Port Said immediately. Furthermore, the government expects an explanation for this hostile act.

Louis XIII.

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Quote:

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The French governments demands, that the Ottomans end the siege of Port Said immediately. Furthermore, the government expects an explanation for this hostile act.

Louis XIII.

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His majesty is also surprised at this turn of events, he ordered the force assembled to disperse the Spanish forces present in the Suez. But due to the Spaniard's horrid surprise attack on Alexandria many must have been filled with anger and in return have carried out reprisals against Latins in the country. His highness regrets that this hostile act has been carried out, and will send orders to relieve the siege, he hopes the French king may find it in his heart to forgive a man for a mistake.

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His most imperial majesty, the Sultan Ahmad I applaud the inhabitants of Varna and the other defenders for resisting the marauding Polish and their barbarious Cossack allies! Rest assured, you will be relieved, when that time comes and the Polish are defeated there will be plenty of booty for you to share amongst yourself!

He also applauds the Greeks who have resisted the Spaniards in their treacherous attack on their homes. At the same time he is disappointed that some, like the 4000 men in Cyprus, have changed sides to join the Latins, do they not remember how the Latins raped their country the last time they were "invited" over? However, any Greek who has turned sides will be forgiven if he surrenders now while it is not too late. His majesty knows that many are discontent that they have not received ample help against the Latin barbarians. But fear not! A relief force is coming, and any Greek who takes up arms against these Spanish dogs will be remembered and rewarded with plentiful bounty when the Spaniards are defeated.

The Sultan also wishes to announce that for anyone living inside his borders who has had his possessions or otherwise damaged by this war, he (the sultan) will pay to cover the destruction wrecked upon him by this war. This includes the remaining inhabitants of Vienna, who ofcourse will be free to practise their faith and govern their followers as they see fit, so long as they stay loyal to the Sultan.

-----------------------------------------------------------

His Most Catholic Imperial Majesty Philippe III, announces:

To the Christians that support Spain against the Sultan in Greece, Cyprus, and other territories:

Those that will support the inevitable advance of the Spanish army will be spared from the destruction of war, and given homes in Spanish colonies should the ottoman repression force them to leave their land. Know that Spain has no intention of occupying these territories, and it will allow them to remain independent under spanish protection after the defeat of the Sultan.

Those who resist spanish advance will be stripped of their land that will be given to those who aid my campaign.

The cities of Athens, and Corinth and others liberated by the glorious Imperial army can form their own governments that will be recognised by the Emperor.

To the Sultan:

As you may have noticed, the armies of the True Faith are victorious. You have lost half of your army, and the control of your own seas. After the treacherous venetians are dealt with, you will feel the full power of the new navy, and after your men's supplies are in my hands your army will wither down even faster. Who will follow a leader that doesn't feed them?

I suggest you give up this war. These are the conditions I am prepared to negotiate: Vienna remains Habsburg, Cyprus is returned to the Knights of St John, and Athens and Corinth become independent spanish protectorate dutchies.

I can replace my cannons in a few months, but it will take you a generation to replace your men.

I will await your reply.


To Venice:

Doge?! More like dog! Exept you lack one of a dog's qualities. Loyalty to your own God! You have allied yourself with the heathen! You will use your fleets and fighting men against Catholics!

Despite my guarantees that I would not hurt Venice, your petty ambition and greed pushed you to attack the defenseless citizens of Florence. Know this, then: There will be no peace between us until my fleets are docked in Venice, and their cannons have destroyed your palace. Then we will negotiate.

Lost half my army?! Are you on hashish or something, my friend? I still have 130 000 men left, Vienna is in my hands and your armies have humiliated themselves with running!

Ignoramus, clear your PM box, the Sultan wishes an audience!

From the Papacy:

The Holy Father is praying for the brave soldiers who died in their valiant defense of Vienna. Their work has weakened the armies of the Heathen severely, and it will soon be forced into retreat, giving up Vienna before they can devastate it much more than their ruthlessness has already done. A mass will be held a in Rome in memory of those who died, and in honor of those who are continuing to fight in defense of the Faith.

Papa Paulus Quintus, Episcopus Romanus

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Originally Posted by Randarkmaan

Lost half my army?! Are you on hashish or something, my friend? I still have 130 000 men left, Vienna is in my hands and your armies have humiliated themselves with running!

Ignoramus, clear your PM box, the Sultan wishes an audience!

---

So you are calling it a success that of an army of 250000, you have 130000 fit for service? Or does that show concern for the lives of your soldiers?

Vienna will be recovered, do not worry, and I will send more men and resources that way as soon as I have solved my problems in Venice.

It was an army of 150 000 men... I lost less men during the fighting than the holy leauge, though I may have had more dead, The whole garrison has been captured and is at my mercy.

The German Government.

We warn Brandenburg not to intefere in our quenching of the northern rebellion. It will be war if you do. The Protesteant leaders are rebels, nothing more and will be dealt with like the dogs they are.

We also call for the people of Vienna to attmpt in no actions that would end with blood being spilled.

The protestant Union leaders are not animals! They see themselves free, you know that if you capture there territory they will rebel, burn and pillage lands, I see you not in a good light anymore Emperor, please do not attack the rebels, I beg of you.

The German Government.

We implaude you not to interfere in the polotics of the Empire, it will be seen as an act of war. These men are Rebel dogs, you would act the same way if rebels uprose in you're Kingdom. These men are not worthy of power and shall be stripped of it, and most likley, their lives as well, by form of the Hangman, The Drawer amd the Executioner.

The Tsar would like to remind the good and honest King of France that those Polish mercenaries are costing a lot of French money. Will Wladyslaw benefit you in any way? No--he is a puppet ingrate who is far to preoccupied by a mere rebel to help you in any way. Are you supporting him because he is Catholic?
I have one wish, good King of France, and that is to know the reason you aid Wladyslaw.

Fine then german Emperor, agree in some aspects, but these rebels are certain to uprise again.

I shall not interfere again, but put it this way, I shall not attack the german Empire, I shall protect the protestant Union, and I shall welcome any of them escaping into Bradenburg!

:france:
We are concerned about the current development in the Mediterranean Sea. To secure our bases, the ports of Sues and Port Said are closed for all foreign ships.

We ask all parties to respect the free sea trade. Any hostile act against French ships, mercants or bases will be seen as declaration of war and responded with the might of the French forces.

We are also concerned about the situation on the Balkans. We condemn this war. We ask all parties to end their hostilities and return to the state before the war. Furthermore, we ask the Sultan, why he invaded the country that belongs to Ferdinand. Although he might have had some trouble with Matthias, we would like to know what reason Ferdinand gave him.

Especially we ask the Turks to set free the garrison and population of Vienna.

Louis XIII.

:france:
Louis XIII., King of France and Navarre, Souvereign of the Nouvelle France and Marianna as well as the oversea departements, by the Grace of God, condemns every uprise against the God given order. Even if the rebels claim to have noble reasons, their leader is the devil himself. He ask the rebels in all countries to submit to the legal authorities - for the sake of their own souls!

:france:
The King of France condemns the hostilities between Spain and Venice. This war is a shame for all Catholic countries. Become rational and end this war, that only benefits the enemies of the real faith.

Louis XIII.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IrishArmenian

The Tsar would like to remind the good and honest King of France that those Polish mercenaries are costing a lot of French money. Will Wladyslaw benefit you in any way? No--he is a puppet ingrate who is far to preoccupied by a mere rebel to help you in any way. Are you supporting him because he is Catholic?
I have one wish, good King of France, and that is to know the reason you aid Wladyslaw.

---

I am not paying anything, neither to you, nor to the csar!

Quote:

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No more loans are granted for Wladyslaw.

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We welcome the Ottoman ambassador

As for you Spanish dogs, we will have words with you at Madrid.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ignoramus

We welcome the Ottoman ambassador

As for you Spanish dogs, we will have words with you at Madrid.

---

Do not dare insult me venetian, for I have the courage to declare war before I attack, while you backstabbed me when I wasn't looking. Snakes do that, and rats. Which one are you?

:france:
End this unworthy conversation, my brothers in faith. You may fight each other and even kill each other, but you may not insult eachother like tinkerers do. What image do you present the misguided heathens. I complain about the loss of virtue in the Catholic countries.

May I remind you, King Louis, that you can hardly call yourself a good Catholic is you allow Protestants to freely live in France. However, we are a tolerant people.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ignoramus

May I remind you, King Louis, that you can hardly call yourself a good Catholic is you allow Protestants to freely live in France. However, we are a tolerant people.

---

:france:
Who are you to critizise me? Who are you that you dare to doubt my true catholic faith?

Under my government French missonaries penetrated deeply into the wilderness of the heathens. Caring more about the glory of the Lord than about their own lifes they spread the word among those misguided creatures, children of the same Father, thirting for salvations. Many thousands achieved salvations, many thousands praise the Lord for that and thank the French King.

What did you do all the time? You made obscure business with the heathens. Therefore, Lord of the merchants, do not try to teach Us a lesson about the true Catholic faith. Do not force Us to look closer to your unholy affairs. We might be forced to interfere.

Good King of France, the Tsar apologises for the misunderstanding. He wishes you the best.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Franconicus

:france:
We are concerned about the current development in the Mediterranean Sea. To secure our bases, the ports of Sues and Port Said are closed for all foreign ships.

We ask all parties to respect the free sea trade. Any hostile act against French ships, mercants or bases will be seen as declaration of war and responded with the might of the French forces.

We are also concerned about the situation on the Balkans. We condemn this war. We ask all parties to end their hostilities and return to the state before the war. Furthermore, we ask the Sultan, why he invaded the country that belongs to Ferdinand. Although he might have had some trouble with Matthias, we would like to know what reason Ferdinand gave him.

Especially we ask the Turks to set free the garrison and population of Vienna.

Louis XIII.

:france:
Louis XIII., King of France and Navarre, Souvereign of the Nouvelle France and Marianna as well as the oversea departements, by the Grace of God, condemns every uprise against the God given order. Even if the rebels claim to have noble reasons, their leader is the devil himself. He ask the rebels in all countries to submit to the legal authorities - for the sake of their own souls!

:france:
The King of France condemns the hostilities between Spain and Venice. This war is a shame for all Catholic countries. Become rational and end this war, that only benefits the enemies of the real faith.

Louis XIII.

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The Tsar agrees whole-heartedly, King of France. The Tsar looks forward to a time of peace, acceptance, religious tolerance, intolerance to injustice and prosperity between us all.
The Tsar suggests making money off of the lucrative hashish trade, which will bring strong diplomatic ties to the good Ottomans. Those who have multi-religious subjects should learn from their Millet system.