The War of The Spanish Succession/Great Northern War

The Great Northern War/ War of the Spanish Succession

The year is 1700 and tensions are running high in Europe. In the north, the Saxon's, Danes and Russian's have signed The Treaty of Preobrazhenskoye, binding them into an alliance against the young Swedish ruler and the greatest infantry in Europe.

The rest of Europe waits and watches the heir-less king of Spain. For when he dies both the mighty French and Austrian empires have claims, both of which would allow their kings to claim hegemony over Europe. However William of Orange stands in the way of the French, seeking to once again create a grand alliance to oppose the mighty Sun King.

It is a time of high stakes were the world order for the century will be decided. The time is ripe for a strong ruler who will be able to lead his nation to victory. It is a time were nations will rise and fall.

This a multi player interactive history in the style of Leigo's 17th centruy. I will give decisions regarding you nation each turn which you will respond to by PM. The thread will be for propaganda public announcements and diplomacy.

Map

http://www.euratlas.net/PHA/history_...e_map_1700.jpg

Rules:

The turn will start with me posting a narration of what happened last turn. After the description I will post a series of decisions that you need to make this turn. You are welcome to use any of the suggestion that will be posted under it or make your own course of action as long as it is historically possible. You are not limited to the decision topics and may branch out and may change anything else you want. Be warned that all actions have their consequences.

Examples of actions that you will make include:

In the public thread:

A. Public declarations of war
B. Propaganda, this can effect public option in the story.
C. Changes in your government or official stances
D. Diplomacy

In PM. (Note: some info may leak)

A. Starting a war without a public declaration
B. Private diplomacy with other leaders by P.M. Note that I will play all Non Player Factions (NPF's)
C. Military plans: You can be as broad as you want (attack X city) or make complicated plans.
D. Military reforms and government reforms

Declaring a Winner

In this interactive there will be multiable winners in four different categories. Who ever holds one of these categories at the games end (1730) will be declared a winner. The categories and there current holders are:

Master of the Baltic: Sweden
Dominant Continental Power: France
Dominant Colonial Power: Holland
The power in the east: Ottomans

The master of the Baltic title will go to the most powerful nation in the Baltic sea region. This will be determined by both wealth and military might. Dominant continental power will be rewarded to the nation holding the most power and influence in Western and Central Europe. The third victory title will be measured by both the number of colonies and the wealth of the said colonies. Ability to control the trade routs between these will also be crucial in determining the winner. Lastly the power of the east is mainly focused on south-eastern Europe and will be determined by the nation with the most influence in the Balkans, Turkey and the Black Sea. Please note that it will be possible for one nation to achieve more then one of these goals. At the begaining of every year (every four turns) I will post a list updating the status of each victory condition.

Other Rules
A. Each turn will be three months of real time.
B. Please also note that not all deaths will follow the exact historical guide lines although natural deaths will be in similer years.

For the first turn you must find information about your nation including:

A. General diplomatic stances, treaties, claims and alliances

B. Economic strength

C. Army and naval organization and if possible the size of each.

D. Any major problems of the nation. (for example Russia's poor modernness)


Nations:


Sweden: Don Corleone
France: Franconicus
Spain: Swordsmaster
The Netherlands: Stig



Waiting list:

Banquno's Ghost
Inca
Leigo

I`d like to take France!

I'd like to sign up. If we get to choose our faction, since France is gone, I'll take Sweden. If not, I'll take wherever you assign me.

God help me, I'm going to get fired! I've never ventured into Interactive History before... crikey, it's addictive. It's the Gameroom and the Monastery all rolled into one. I'm doomed!

Do not worry my friend! You have experience in dealing with little children and that is all you have to have in IAs. And be sure, France is at your side :duel:


Welcome in the game ~:cheers:

Sounds fun, I would like to be Holland/England
God, I'm patriotic :charge:

Welcome to the chapter house Don :wave:

Sweden will be fine.
I'll start in a couple days after I try an advertising campign through the other fourms.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Destroyer of Hope

[B] Nations:

Denmark
Sweden
Poland/Saxony (In personal union)
Russia
France
Spain
Austria
The Netherlands and England (in personal union)
Bavaria
Brandenburg
Ottoman Empire

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Please note that Saxony, Austria, Bavaria and Brandenburg are all part of the Holy Roman Empire! All are part of the German nation!!

Ottomans for me.

Can I sign up for Poland/Saxony? :book:

I'll take Brandenburg.

This seems to be the place - your advertising campaign successfully lured me here Destroyer of Hope. I'll just take what's left and lead them to extermination - I've never played one of these very intriguing games before.

Could I take a hand in The Union and Orange?
After all, constitutional monarchy what!

I Take Austria
:-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Franconicus

Please note that Saxony, Austria, Bavaria and Brandenburg are all part of the Holy Roman Empire! All are part of the German nation!!

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Yes, but at this time the Empire was so decentralized that emperor couldn't keep control of all his subjects thus rendering him to a fairly ceramonial role (however the emperor as the head of austria still had a ton of power).

Bopa England/Netherlands is already taken.

Omanes Russia's still open and had a large role in the war; however they are encountering internal dissent and a large array of problems realated with Peter the Great's efforts of modernizing the nation.

Denmark, Spain and Baveria are also open.

Denmark!

What's the point without Spain? I'll take Spain! I hope it won't be too difficult... :hide:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tran

What's the point without Spain? I'll take Spain! I hope it won't be too difficult... :hide:

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It won't! If memory serves, you're going to die soon :cry:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Destroyer of Hope

Omanes Russia's still open and had a large role in the war; however they are encountering internal dissent and a large array of problems realated with Peter the Great's efforts of modernizing the nation.

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I'll have a go at Russia then. It sounds like a very enjoyable challange.

Ah, I see I'm too late. :embarassed:

It looks to be a fascinating interactive though - I'm looking forward to reading how it goes.

:bow:

I will take Bavaria, if it is not taken...

Though looking from BG's post it is... uh well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warluster

I will take Bavaria, if it is not taken...

Though looking from BG's post it is... uh well.

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No, don't worry. I'd only be interested in a faction I know something about, as I don't have the time to research a whole new history. Those are already taken.

I haven't a clue about Bavaria. :beam:

Hence why I went for Holland ~D

:france:

On behalf of the King of France and Navarre Jean-Baptiste Colbert de Torcy, the Foreign Minister of France, makes this declaration to all European rulers:

France is ruled by our King, Louis Le Grand, for many years now. During this time, the increase of wealth and strength of our great nation has been matchless.

The base of this boom is the well organized administration. Our land is united and centralized. The Catholic Church follows the leadership of the King. Our manufactories are unique and the productivity of our country is unexampled. The export of French goods brings a benefit of 18 million Livres per year.

Our army had to fight several wars to repel the challenges of our neighbours:

Contest for precedence
War of Devolution
La ReunionWars
War against the League of Augsburg

Our nation was victorious in each conflict.

Today, our nation is respected as the dominant nation in Europe. Now, thee is no reason for further military confrontations. France wants to live in peace with all her neighbours. There are only some minor issues left that – as we believe – can be solved in a peaceful way.

France has currently a ceasefire with Spain that was agreed to last for 20 years. This agreement will end in 1704. France has also build new or modernized 160 fortresses to protect her frontiers. These fortresses, designed by the genius Sébastien le Prestre de Vauban, show the defensive character of the French policy.

Today, France has the strongest army and the strongest navy. Even in peacetime our army fields 280,000 men. They are well trained and well equipped.

France has also increased its colonies. Besides La Nouvelle France there is also Tschandarnagar (1673), Pondichery (1674) and the isle of Martinique. In 1683 La Salle found the French colony Louisiana at the Mississippi River. In 1660 the French Crown purchased Haiti, in 1664 Guyana as well as parts of the Senegal and Madagascar.

However, the happiness of a country is not only measured by the strength of its army or the national income. France is also the leader on the field of culture. The French living style is desired all over the world. Nowhere else life is dominated by theatre, poetry and luxury like at Paris. With envy the other nations call our King ‘Le Roi Soleil’!

France shakes hands with all her peaceful neighbours. We are willing to share the advantages of French culture and technologies with our friends.


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...to_1798-en.png

I'm thinking maybe I need to stop and watch how IA's go when one person is responsible for a faction before I enter into one as well organized as this. Therefore, I'd like to step down, and allow Banquo to step in as the King of Sweden. It will be fun to watch!

Got a question, what is the exact starting date?
After all Willem III reign in England ended it 1694.

Or am I playing as the small alliance England and the Dutch had?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don Corleone

I'm thinking maybe I need to stop and watch how IA's go when one person is responsible for a faction before I enter into one as well organized as this. Therefore, I'd like to step down, and allow Banquo to step in as the King of Sweden. It will be fun to watch!

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:gah2:
Just look at Legio's 17th century IA. There you see how the game goes!!

By the way, the game hasn't started yet. Right now everyone is supposed to give an introduction of his kingdom. Then DoH starts the game.

Certainly you can start making alliances anyway.

BTW. You will have a warm welcome at Paris!:sweetheart:

The starting date is 1700.

My sources say that it was just his wife that died in 1694, are you sure?

Yeah his wife died in 1694, which, according to our Dutch history books meant that he was no longer king of England, they however maintained an alliance against France, which attacked in 1701.

This states actions of William after the death of Mary II. The next queen, Anne also did not asscend the throne untill 1702 (williams death). However if you think that it's more historcal to split them that can certainly happen to.

Well it will allow for another nation, and people really seem to be wanting to play this game.

A.Can't really find anything about it.

B. Consists of mostly large Junker estates controlled by the nobles. The government collected l,533,000 thalers in 1689 from taxes. The government's monopolies on such things as salt and silk helped them increase the size of the standing army over the years. The army was used in turn to build structures and things like canals, ect.

C. The Army 80000 well trained proffesional soldiers and the navy I haven't found yet most likely extremely small.

D. None that I'm aware of other than the fact that Brandenburg is cut off from Prussia because of Poland's ownership of the strip of land between them. Also, the fact that Brandenburg is surrounded by powerful states: France, Austria, Poland, and Sweden.

I couldn't find anything about the Diplomacy of the time or about the navy.

I am going to split England and The Netherlands, Stig can have first choice on which one he wants.

Don sorry to hear you won't be playing, Banquno sweden is open for you if you want it.

I'll be watching, following along and learning. If you need somebody to play the Barbary Pirates, I'm your man. Just really don't have the time to put into it that it deserves. I think 1 IA at a time should be my rule for a while, till I get my legs, if you will.

Is there a set date to start this or is it just until everyone finishes their searching? Also, if anyone has any information on the diplomatic situation or navy size of Brandenburg-Prussia could I have a link or PM message?

Bavaria

Leader

Maximilian II Emanuel
Maximilian II Emanuel (July 11, 1662 - February 26, 1726) was a Wittelsbach ruler of Bavaria and an elector (Kurfürst) of the Holy Roman Empire. He was also the last Governor of the Spanish Netherlands and duke of Luxembourg. An able soldier, his ambition led to conflicts that limited his ultimate dynastic achievements.

He was born in Munich to Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria and Henriette Adelaide of Savoy (d.1676). His maternal grandparents were Victor Amadeus I of Savoy and Christine Marie of France. Christine Marie was the second daughter of Henry IV of France and his second wife Marie de' Medici.
House of Wittelsbach

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:M..._family_v2.png

Regional Titles Owned:
Elector of the Holy Roman Empire
Duke of Bavaria
Governor of the Spanish Netherlands

Bavaria Info
Its capital if Munich. It borders Austria and the region of Switzerland. Also borders Hesse.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:F...lozengy%29.svg

(From Wikipedia)

Diplomatic Stance
Is allied with France.
Is allied with Spain.
bad Relations with Austria,Britain and the Ottoman Empire.
Good relations with Brandenburg-Prussia.
Neutral with everyone else.


Economic Situation

Bavaria is flourshing, having just entered into a alliance with France, and closely allied with Spain because of marriage. The economy is enough to sustain Bavaria for many more years.

I could not find exact details.

Bavarian Military

Bavarian Orders
The principle orders and decorations of the Kingdom of Bavaria for military personnel were, for officers, the Military Order of Max Joseph and the Order of Military Merit and, for non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel (including officer candidates), the gold and silver Military Merit Medals and the Military Merit Cross. Unlike several German states, Bavaria had no decoration which was awarded without regard to rank (and thus comparable to the Prussian Iron Cross).
In addition to these awards, the Kingdom of Bavaria had a number of other orders . Among these were the Order of St. Hubertus (Haus-Ritter-Orden vom heiligen Hubertus), Bavaria's highest order, founded in 1444 and revived in 1708; the Order of St. George (Militärischer Haus-Ritter-Orden vom heiligen Georg), founded in 1729; the Merit Order of St. Michael (Verdienstorden vom heiligen Michael), founded in 1693 and revived in 1837 as Bavaria's principle peacetime merit order for services to the Crown; and the Merit Order of the Bavarian Crown (Verdienstorden der Bayerischen Krone), founded in 1808. More on these orders may be found here. Another order, although military, is not covered here due to its rarity, though I hope to remedy that at some point. This is the Military Medical Order (Militär-Sanitäts-Orden).
(From www.home.att.net)

I can't find anything on bavaria's Military.

I'm very sorry to inform you that I'll be away for about ten days. If you could wait for me to return, it would be great. If not, then feel free to replace me if you so wish. My sincere appologies for any inconvenience caused.

Ruler
Peter the Great has been our ruler since 1682. He ascended to the throne the death of his weak and sickly half brother - Ivan V. His early reign has been eventful with many wars and conquests, especially against the Ottoman Empire and the Swedes. He dreams of revolutionising our country into a modern, significant, European power - based upon the styles of the West.

Diplomatic Stances
Russia is currently at war with Sweden.
Poor relations exist with the Ottoman Empire whom we have been at war with for many years previously. Most of the fighting was over ownership of Ukraine and the Crimea. Currently, a twenty year ceasefire exists and will expire in 1719.
Attempts have been made to ally with England, The Netherlands and Brandenburg. These were cut short when a plot was launched against our ruler, Peter the Great.
We are currently allied in the "Anti-Turkish League" with Poland and Austria.

Economic strength
Russia economy is poor. Although we are a large country we have a rather small population and very few people live in our rather small towns. Our grain yields are far behind those of the West, forcing most of our population to farm rather than work in any industries. We are, however, implementing large taxes upon peasants and on similar classes to create a larger national income.

Army and Naval Organization
Peter the Great, our Tsar, has modernised our military forces to a more Western European style. Our army is 300,000 strong and is made up of men conscripted into our forces for life by our feudal system. The majority of them are, however, poorly equipped. We have one naval base which allows us access into the Black Sea.

Russia's Problems
Our country's farming output is poor and our economy is not modernised like that of the west - we are still using a form of the outdated feudal system, which is not used in most modern European countries. Also the lower classes are dissatisfied with the high taxation and lack of freedom, the state has extreme control over almost everything, which has resulted in several uprisings over the past few decades. One of which almost resulted in the fall of our dynasty. Due to our rather primitive outlook, we are considered to be a backward and outdated state. We will need to update our systems if we are to survive economically in the contemporary world - we are reassured, however, that Peter the Great and his ambitions will solve many of these problems and aid us in reforming and improving our economy and it's outdatedness.

Sorry if this isn't quite right - I can't seem to find much on Russia's history.

:coffeenews: My spies reported to me the strength of Bavaria and Brandenburg. Please tell me, if I am wrong!

Brandenburg-Preußen:

Army in peacetime: 7,000
At war: 15,000 – 30,000
(it was increased to 80,000 after 1713, but in 1700, money was tight and the army had to be reduced to 20,000.)

20% of this was cavalry; each regiment (728 men) had 5 squadrons with 2 companies; there were cuirassiers and dragoons; maybe 6,000 cavalry in total

Infantry: 20 regiments (one regiment about 1,000, I guess!)

Kurbrandenburgische Navy:

Fregatte "Friedrich Wilhelm zu Pferde" (50 Kanonen)
Fregatte „Dorothea” (40 Kanonen)
Fregatte „Rother Löwe” (20 Kanonen)
Fregatte „Carolus Secundus” (50 Kanonen)
Fregatte „Kurprinz von Brandenburg”
Fregatte „Chur Prinz” (36 Kanonen)
Fregatte „Morian”
Fregatte „Wappen von Brandenburg”
Yacht „Bracke”
Yacht „Große Jacht”
„Wasserhund”
Fregatte „Berlin“ (15 Kanonen)
„Fuchs” (20 Kanonen) „Einhorn” (12 Kanonen)
„Printz Ludwig” (10 Kanonen) „Falke” (4 Kanonen)
„Jean Baptista” (4 Kanonen) „Marie” (4 Kanonen)
„Spandau” (4 Kanonen)
„Stern” (6 Kanonen)
„Princesse Maria” (12 Kanonen)

Colonies:
A base at the Gold Coast: Fort Groß Friedrichsburg; from there the Brandenburgische Afrikanische Handelskompanie shipped slaves to St. Thomas in the Westindies (belonged to Denmark!).


Bavaria:

7 regiments Infantry (about 7,000 men)
3 regiments cuirassiers (about 2,000)
3 regiments dragoons (about 2,000)

And this is latest news from France. Tell me if you find more! :7fortuneteller:

A - La Maison du Roi 13,500 in total

Les Gardes du Corps (4 companies with 400 men)
Les Gendarmes de la Garde et les Chevau-légers (2 companies with 250 men each)
Les Mousquetaires (2 companies – gris et noir – with 250 chevalier in each company)
Le Grenadier à Cheval (1 company with 100 recruits – they will become grenadier officers later)
Les Guardes Francaises (1 regiment with 6 battalions, 32 companies with 300 men each, in total 9,600 men, recruits came from Paris only!)
Les Guardes Suisses (1 regiment with two battalions, 12 companies à 200 men; 2,400 men in total, recruits come from the 13 Swiss cantons)



B - Infantry: in total 380,000 (which grew up to 800,000 in war)

285 regiments à 1 – 4 battalions (400 - 500 men) à 13 companies (1 grenadier and 12 mosquetaires)

this included also several regiments etrangere (Wallons, Allemands, Suisses, Irlandais, Italien)

Milice had 100 battalions, had to defend interior and replace casualties of the regulars.


C - Cavalry

La Gendarmerie de France
16 companies divided in 8 squadrons:
• gendarmes Ecossais avec les gendarmes anglais
• gendarmes bourguignons avec les gendarmes de Flandres
• gendarmes de la Reine avec les chevau-légers de la Reine
• gendarmes du Dauphin avec les chevau-légers du Dauphin
• gendarmes de Berry avec les chevau-légers de Berry
• gendarmes de Monsieur avec les chevau-légers de Monsieur
• gendarmes d'Artois avec les chevau-légers d'Artois
• gendarmes d'Orléans avec les chevau-légers d'Orléans
First 4 squadrons were Royal and formed la grande gendarmerie.
During peace each company had 80 men, during war 160 (-> in total 1280 to 2560)
Les Regiments de Cavalerie:
15 Regiments: (Aubusson, Chastelet, Commissaire General, Conty, Fitzjames, Mestre de camp Général, Noailles, Pons, Royal Cavalerie, Royal Roussillon, Cossé, Cuirassiers du Roi, La Feronnayes, Royal Carabiniers, Souastre)

D - Dragoons:

35 regiments (maybe 25,000)

E - Artillery:

Royale-Artillerie (1regiment=6 battalions=30 companies à 55 hommes, in total 1,650)
Plus 2 companies bombardiers

Cannons:
• canon de France de 33 £
• demi canon d'Espagne de 24£ long
• quart de canon d'Espagne de 12£ long
• quart de canon de France de 8 £
• la moyenne de 4 £
• le fauconneau de 1/4 L
• la pièce de 8 £ courte
• la pièce de 4 £ courte
• les mortiers de : 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 et 18 pouces
An artillery battalion comprises companies of gunners, pioneers and workers.


F – Troupes Legere –Hussards et Companies franches:
There are more than 90 companies called ompanies franches. They are a mixture of grenadiers and dragoons. Combat strength was between 50 and 450.

Some where more important like les Compagnies du Languedoc with 6 battalions, which served as mountain troops in Spain and Italy.

Fortresses
France's frontiers are protected by hundreds of fortesses. Many of them are built by the genius Vauban, including

Antibes (Fort Carré), Arras, Auxonne, Barraux, Bayonne, Belfort, Bergues, Besançon, Bitche, Blaye, Briançon, Bouillon, Calais, Cambrai, Colmars-les-Alpes, Collioure, Douai, Entrevaux, Givet, Gravelines, Huningue, Joux, Kehl, Landau, La Rochelle, Le Quesnoy, Lille, Lusignan, Le Perthus (Fort de Bellegarde), Luxembourg, Maastricht, Maubeuge, Metz, Mont-Dauphin, Mont-Louis, Montmédy, Namur, Neuf-Brisach, Perpignan, Plouezoc'h (Château du Taureau), Rocroi, Saarlouis, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Saint-Omer, Sedan, Toul, Valenciennes, Verdun, Villefranche-de-Conflent (town and Fort Liberia), Ypres

He directed the building of 37 new fortresses, and fortified military harbours, including Ambleteuse, Brest, Dunkerque, Freiburg im Breisgau, Rochefort, Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Fort Socoa), Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Toulon, Wimereux, Le Portel, Cézembre


NAVY


68 ships:
11 with less than 50 guns
41 with less 70 guns
15 with less than 100 guns
1 with more than 100 guns (La Reine 104)
During the past 50 years France has made a lot of effort to improve the navy and the infrastructure. There is a new shipyard at Rocheford, another one at Brest, there is a new harbor at Cherbourg, Brest was made bigger; Dunkirk was bought.

DoH: I can send you the names of the ships, if you want to use them in your stories (only if you promise to mention them as winners, not as victims!!)

gah, I just typed Holland out entirely but deleted it.

Will have to do it again, will post it later.

Quote:

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Sorry if this isn't quite right - I can't seem to find much on Russia's history.

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Thats fine, If I remember correctly you are not at war with the Ottomans having signed a 20 year size fire after your war to gain Azov.

Also omanes, your okay with your vacation, you can pick it up were we stoped.

Quote:

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Is there a set date to start this or is it just until everyone finishes their searching? Also, if anyone has any information on the diplomatic situation or navy size of Brandenburg-Prussia could I have a link or PM message?

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I'll proably start next weakend. If you can't find any information don't worry about it.

You may want to look at this: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk...k_william1.htm

I've started on my research; should have some later tonight...after I leave work:laugh4:

:egypt:

Thanks DoH for your tolerance. I've updated my original post with the information which you supplied. I appreciate it.

If Russia is still free, I'll take it...

Swordsmaster, Russia is taken by Omanes, however we still need an england and an Sweden.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Destroyer of Hope

Swordsmaster, Russia is taken by Omanes, however we still need an england and an Sweden.

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If Banquo isn't taking Sweden, I'll take them, but I thought he was taking them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don Corleone

If Banquo isn't taking Sweden, I'll take them, but I thought he was taking them.

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He hasn't claimed them in the thread yet. If he does he's welcome to it. I'll let you to sort it out meanwhile, I'll reserve Sweden.

EDIT: Franc, Excellent order of battle

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Destroyer of Hope

He hasn't claimed them in the thread yet. If he does he's welcome to it. I'll let you to sort it out meanwhile, I'll reserve Sweden.

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No, go ahead and give Sweden to the Don as originally planned. I was tempted by Russia because I know a bit about that period in their history, but it was already taken by the time I showed up.

I'm happy to read and follow the interactive. Sorry to have caused perturbations.

:bow:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Franconicus

It won't! If memory serves, you're going to die soon :cry:

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Very well, and also as DoH's request, I'll play England...

Okay, Sweden it is. I'll have my summary ready later today. Question... do I have to role play like Charles XII, or can I actually try to win?

Try it, my friend, try it! :yes:

Then all positions are filled except Spain. Maybe Swordsmaster can do it. At least he knows the country and the history quite well!

This is what I found about the Danish and Swedish fleet at the beginning of the Great Northern War:
Sweden had a fleet of 38 ships-of-the-line and 12 frigates, Denmark had 33 ships-of-the-line and 7 frigates

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Franconicus

Then all positions are filled except Spain. Maybe Swordsmaster can do it. At least he knows the country and the history quite well![/B]

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Negative :no:

DoH told me that Spain will be non-player faction

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Franconicus

Try it, my friend, try it! :yes:

Then all positions are filled except Spain. Maybe Swordsmaster can do it. At least he knows the country and the history quite well!

This is what I found about the Danish and Swedish fleet at the beginning of the Great Northern War:
Sweden had a fleet of 38 ships-of-the-line and 12 frigates, Denmark had 33 ships-of-the-line and 7 frigates

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Spain was going to be the original choice, but I thought it was taken...

If at all possible, I'd like Spain and Philippe V D'Anjou.

Well the reason I decided on Spain be a NPF is he has a full 8 months untill ethier france or Austria gets the throne as a puppet. If I'm wrong please correct me Swordsmaster, I know you know more about spain then I do.

Meanwhile Banquno and Swordsmaster I'll put you on the replacement list in case anyone has to drop out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Destroyer of Hope

Well the reason I decided on Spain be a NPF is he has a full 8 months until ethier France or Austria gets the throne as a puppet. If I'm wrong please correct me Swordsmaster, I know you know more about spain then I do.

Meanwhile Banquno and Swordsmaster I'll put you on the replacement list in case anyone has to drop out.

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Not quite:

Actually one of the conditions of the treaty of Utrecht that ended the war was that France and Spain couldn't ever be in personal union, although they have been allied during the war.

They waged war independently as allies, and obviously a puppet of Austria would have been impossible, since they fought as enemies.

Philippe was recognised in most of Spain and France, since he was the man mentioned in Charles II will.

Yes, and he was the legal heir, too. The Spanish King had no children. However, he had two sisters. According law, the throne had to go to the son of his oldest sister - Phillipe.

I'll post my ASAP. I won't be on tomarrow, Saturday, so I post my Sunday.

Good luck to anyone playing Poland - it was definetely the worst time in its history, so immense skills or bluffing all the time will only work here...:book:

I will be England, as seeing that slot its not ocupiied.

Sorry, I didnt see twas ocuppied.

Quote:

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obviously a puppet of Austria would have been impossible, since they fought as enemies.

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But if Austria had won the throne for the Archduke Duke Charles it could have happened, (although not quite a puppet, but they would have heavy influence,)
Spain is yours if you wish

Inca England is taken by Tran, I just havn't updated the list, I'll put you second in the waiting list.

I will be out of town starting tomamrow untill friday, I plan to have the first chapter out the following weakend.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Destroyer of Hope

But if Austria had won the throne for the Archduke Duke Charles it could have happened, (although not quite a puppet, but they would have heavy influence,)
Spain is yours if you wish

Inca England is taken by Tran, I just havn't updated the list, I'll put you second in the waiting list.

I will be out of town starting tomamrow untill friday, I plan to have the first chapter out the following weakend.

---

Fabulous! Feel free to represent the dividedness of opinions by creating civil war opportunities and such, but I think you are right considering Spain not puppeted by any other powers


Some bits of info:

King: Philip V Bourbon, Duke of Anjou.
Philip was born at Versailles. He was made the Duke of Anjou upon his birth. He was the second son of Louis, le Grand Dauphin. In the year 1700, the King of Spain, Charles II, died. Charles' will named the 17-year old Philip, the grandson of Charles' sister Maria Theresa of Spain, as his successor.

Allies:
France and (not yet consolidated) Bourbon Spain were allied with Bavaria, Cologne and Savoy (which switched sides in 1703)

Important Figures:
Giulio Alberoni

He was very active in furthering the accession of the French candidate for the throne of Spain, Philip V. Two years later, Vendôme having died in the interval, Alberoni was appointed consular agent for Parma at Philip's court, where he was the royal favourite, being raised at the same time to the dignity of count. On his arrival at Madrid he found the princesse des Ursins all but omnipotent with the king, and for a time he judged it expedient to use her influence in carrying out his plans. Upon the death of the Queen (Maria Luisa of Savoy), Alberoni in concert with La Trémoille arranged for a marriage in 1714 between the widowed King and Elisabetta Farnese, daughter of the Duke of Parma.

The influence of the new queen being actively exerted on Alberoni's behalf, within not much more than a year he was made a duke and grandee of Spain, a member of the king's council, appointed bishop of Málaga, and in 1715 prime minister, and was made cardinal by Pope Clement XI, under pressure from the court of Spain, in July 1717. His vigorous internal policy mixed the economic reforms of Colbert for Louis XIV with some conservative Spanish aspects: a regular mail service to the Americas was instituted, yet the school of navigation he founded was reserved for the sons of the nobility. By a series of decreees in 1717, Alberoni reduced the powers of the grandees in royal councils. His main purpose was to produce an economic revival in Spain by abolishing internal custom-houses, throwing open the trade of the Indies and reorganizing the finances along lines that had been established by the French economist Jean Orry.

Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta

José Patiño

The Patiño family were strong supporters of the Bourbon dynasty in the War of the Spanish Succession. The elder brother Baltasar, afterwards marquis of Castelar, had a distinguished career as a diplomatist, and his son Lucas was a general of some note. José Patiño, who had been intended for the priesthood but adopted a secular career, was granted the reversion of a seat in the senate of Milan on the accession of Phillip V in 1700. but on the loss of the duchy he was transferred to Spain, and put on the governing body of the military orders in 1707.

During the War of Succession he served as intendant of Extremadura, and then of Catalonia from 1711 to 1718. In 1717 he was named intendant of the navy, which had just been reorganized on the French model. His capacity and his faculty for hard work secured him the approval of Alberoni, with whom, however, he was never on very friendly terms in private life. Patiño's Italian education, which affected his Spanish style, and caused him to fall into Italianisms all through his life, may have served to recommend him still further.

José Carrillo de Albornoz, duque de Montemar

Antonio de Gaztañeta

He was a Spanish Vice-Admiral who commanded the Spanish Mediterranean fleet.


Francisco Castillo Fajardo, 2nd Marquis of Villadarias

James FitzJames, 1st Duke of Berwick

Marie-Anne de la Trémoille, Princesse des Ursins
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-A...sse_des_Ursins

Elizabeth Farnese



Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero


Navy:
In 1697, Spain has "Few warships, several galleons, and 15 galleys in the Mediterranean.
In 1712 Spain has 23 ships of the line of over 50 cannon, and a large number of frigates and auxiliary vessels.
in 1736, there were 34 ships of the line of over 60 cannon, only one of 3 bridges (Real Felipe), all of very resistant construction, combining the best of the french and english engineering (according to the Spanish navy website).

More here

The fleet contained a large number of galleys and bombardas (2 mast vessels equipped with 2 very large caliber mortars that allowed for efficient bombardment of fortifications, and defense against land troops).

Army:
No information yet

The closest I have to allies for Prussia-Brandenburg is the Alliance against the French.

The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands


Economy:

At this time The Republic is still one of the richest countries in the world. All the Dutch money comes from their colonies in both West and East India.
In India the Republic has colonies on the islands of the Indonesian archipelago and Ceylon. Here it makes good money of trade in spices, bringing it back to Europe to sell to the many countries that don't have colonies.
The Republic also has a small colony at the Cape of Good Hope. Every ship going East has to pass this point and with this the Republic can control the trade to the East would they want it.
In the West the Republic has colonies in Guyana and Suriname, here too it makes more than good money from trade. It also has smaller colonies on numerous islands in the Caribbean.
Here it also makes good money from slavetrade, being one of the few that does this. It has a small colony on the Gold Coast to import slaves from and from their slaves are brought to the New World.
The trade is done by the Dutch India Companies, the VOC and the WIC.


Military:

Because of the dangers facing the Republic it always has an strong army ready to fight. The army exists of 90,000 professional soldiers, but the numbers most of the time stays the same in peace and war. The Republic doesn't have the manpower to call on a big army during wartime and mainly relies on it's professional army.
The main Dutch strenght is in it's navy. The time of the great commanders, De Ruyter, Hein and Tromp and Tromp is over however the navy is still strong. It's divided in 5 Admiralties; Maze (Rotterdam), Amsterdam, Friesland, Noorderkwartier and Vlissingen. The navy can field a total of over 100 ships, some of which big heavy lineships, and even some with 100 cannons.
The Navy is the most important employer in the Republic, not only are there the 5 Admiralties, next to that there is the VOC and the WIC, these too have a few own warships.



[I'm doing this in parts, as last time I accidently deleted everything, more to be edited in]

I can't find alot of info about Austia, anyone know good websites for me to look at??

I too, shall be posting mine in two or three parts.

History of Poland
The time after the end of the Thirty Years' War is generally considered a time of decline for Poland. Its constitution at the time is generally considered to be weak, and many of its rulers shared this weakness. The last major triumph for the nation came with the lifting of the Siege of Vienna in 1683 via the leadership of Jan III Sobieski. Poland's important role in aiding the European alliance to roll back the Ottoman Empire was rewarded with some territory in Podole by the Treaty of Karlowicz (1699). However, the succeeding decades were marked by increased foreign interferance. Frederick Augustus I, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (aka Augustus II the Strong), King of Poland from 1697 – 1706, and 1709 – 1 February 1733, involved Poland in Peter the Great's war with Sweden, incurring another round of occupation and devastation by the Swedes between 1704 and 1710.

This map of Europe at 1700 might help?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://www.euratlas.net/PHA/history_...e_map_1700.jpg

Or alternatively this one:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...urope_1700.jpg
.

Excellent maps!

This one may help too:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...France1750.png

DoH: Will there be an end of the game, a year when the story reaches its end? Will there be targets for the players?

[QUOTE=Franconicus]Excellent maps!

This one may help too:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...France1750.png

Besides La Nouvelle France, these are my colonies:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As the French empire in North America expanded, the French also began to build a smaller but more profitable empire in the West Indies. Settlement along the South American coast in what is today French Guiana began in 1624, and a colony was founded on Saint Kitts in 1625 (the island had to be shared with the English until the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, when it was ceded outright). The Compagnie des Îles de l'Amérique founded colonies in Guadeloupe and Martinique in 1635, and a colony was later founded on Saint Lucia by (1650). The food-producing plantations of these colonies were built and sustained through slavery, with the supply of slaves dependent on the African slave trade. Local resistance by the indigenous peoples resulted in the Carib Expulsion of 1660.

The most important Caribbean colonial possession did not come until 1664, when the colony of Saint-Domingue (today's Haiti) was founded on the western half of the Spanish island of Hispaniola. In the 18th century, Saint-Domingue grew to be the richest sugar colony in the Caribbean.

French colonial expansion was not limited to the New World, however. In Senegal in West Africa, the French began to establish trading posts along the coast in 1624. In 1664, the French East India Company was established to compete for trade in the east. Colonies were established in India in Chandernagore in Bengal (1673) and Pondicherry in the Southeast (1674). Colonies were also founded in the Indian Ocean, on the Île de Bourbon (Réunion, 1664).

Kingdom of England (in personal union with Scotland and United Netherlands/Provinces)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...tagne_1603.png

William III held England and the UP in a personal union, but it would be silly to say it formed one state. This would only have been the case if William had been an absolute monarch. On the other had we see that in the era of William III the armies and some leaders of it had become intertwined. Though William's death in 1702 would severe all formal ties, their common interests created a lot of goodwill and by it a very intense co-operation.

In this war we see them jointly hiring troops and bringing allies into the war and supporting them through subsidy treaties. To foreign politicians they appeared as a confederacy nicknamed the 'seapowers'. This close co-operation rested primarily on the co-operation between Heinsius and Marlborough that had already started before William's death. In their correspondence we can see them jointly directing foreign policy and coordinating the war effort of the two nations. John Churchill, later made Duke of Marlborough would also become the military leader of the joint armies (see 1702 for particulars). This is why 'the seapowers' continued to exist as an entity in international politics.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...50-1702%29.jpg

Since the peace treaty of Rijswijk in 1697 the position of William's Junto ministers had considerably weakened. From that time William and his government had been attacked on issues such as the size of the army, the influence of foreigners (Dutchmen and Huguenots) at his court, and his grants to his favorites. By the 1699-1700 session of Parliament it was clear that it would no longer be possible to govern with the Junto ministers.

The hostility of this parliament as long as the Junto was in power showed itself in many ways. From the start it had busied itself with an investigation into William's land grants in Ireland, and tacking it to a tax-bill. To the modern observer this might seem to have been a noble cause, but it was not. The Whig defense of the king was that if parliament was in anyway sincere it should also investigate the grants made in the reign (James's) that had been declared illegal. It did not and the Commons soon showed to be after the booty for itself. Anyway, a law annulling the grants of William was soon in the making. The insistence on the irresponsible reduction of the army was another affair that given its theoretic foundation (a standing army was seen as a tool of absolutism) can be explained as directed against the king. To top it of the Commons petitioned on 10 April 1700 that William should evict all foreigners from his councils. William did however get something useful out of 1699-1700 session, and that was the Common's ratification of the second partition treaty in March 1700. However sharply Portland and others were attacked for signing it without their knowledge. William was probably quite sick and tired of the Commons when he prorogued parliament on 11 April.

Perceiving the fact that his government would sink to impotence if he did not appoint Tories to take responsibility in government, William was prepared to change his course signaled by Somers dismissal. This became even more necessary when Queen Anne's only child died in July, overthrowing all plans for his and Anne's succession, and opening up perspectives for the pretender. After his return from the United Provinces in October 1700, William then held talks with Godolphin, Harley and Rochester. In these it was probably decided to appoint bring the Tories into the ministry, to make a new settlement for the succession, and to make some constitutional changes. When Philip of Anjou was proclaimed as king Felipe V of Spain on 16 November 1700 parliament was not willing to go to war. This probably had a lot to do with the financial troubles that had originated from the previous war. Parliament was thus all to willing to be reassured by Louis XIV's reassurances of not uniting the two empires, and Louis' envoys reported that the England would recognize Felipe V. Parliament was then dissolved on 19 December 1700

The English army

Short history of the English Army
From 1660 to 1684

Britain is an island and therefore has always had far more need for a strong fleet than for an army. For a long time this circumstance had naturally stiffened the English Parliament in its opposition to the idea of a standing army. The English Army was therefore of a quite recent creation. Apart from Cromwell's New Model Army the traditions of the British Army go back to 1660 when the Commons authorized the raising of a standing army to protect the restored King Charles II. This was the composition of the English army from 1660 till 1685:

* First Foot Guards, formed in 1656 by combining two older regiments 1)
* The Lord General's Regiment of Foot Guards, which had been Monck's Regiment of Foot of the NMA

* Royal Regiment of Foot, which returned to England for the restoration, Renamed to 1st Foot in 1751
* The Tangier Regiment was raised in 1661, In 1663 it absorbed two others Renamed to 2nd Foot in 1751
* The Holland regiment was formed in 1665 from English troops serving the Dutch. Renamed to 3rd Foot in 1751
* The 2nd Tangier regiment was raised in 1680. Renamed to 4th foot in 1751

* Four troops of Horse Guards (4th disbanded in 1683)

* The Earl of Oxford's Regiment, this was a cavalry unit of the NMA which became the Royal Horse Guards Blue in 1750
* The Tangier Horse, formed in 1661, in 1751 named 1st Regiment of Dragoons

From 1685 to 1688

The Monmouth rebellion was the opportunity James II needed to raise a larger army. He raised 9 new infantry regiments and 7 cavalry regiments. Raising extra regiments in times of crisis had been done before, but this time James succeeded in holding on to these extra units. The British army had become a serious military force after these units had been added:

* The Royal Regt of Fuzileers, in 1751 renamed to 7 Foot
* The Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment, in 1751 renamed to 8 Foot
* Henry Cornewall's Regiment of Foot, in 1751 renamed to 9 Foot
* The Earl of Bath's Regiment, in 1751 renamed to 10 Foot
* The Duke of Beaufort's Regiment of Foot, in 1751 renamed to 11 Foot
* The Duke of Norfolk's Regiment of Foot, in 1751 renamed to 12 Foot
* Earl of Huntingdon's Regiment of Foot, in 1751 renamed to 13 Foot
* Sir Edward Hales's Regiment of Foot, in 1751 renamed to 14 Foot
* Sir William Clifton's Regiment of Foot, in 1751 renamed to 15 Foot
* The Queen's Regiment of Horse, in 1751 renamed to 1 Dragoon Guards
* Earl of Peterborough's Regiment of Horse, in 1751 renamed to 2 Dragoon Guards
* 4th Horse (Earl of Plymouth's), in 1751 renamed to 3 Dragoon Guards
* Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment of Horse, in 1751 renamed to 4 Dragoon Regiment
* Earl of Arran's Regiment of Cuirassiers, in 1746 renamed to 1 (Irish) Horse
* Shrewsbury's Horse, in 1746 renamed to 2 (Irish) Horse
* Duke of Somerset's Regiment of Dragoons, in 1751 renamed to 1 Dragoon Regiment

From 1688 to 1697

After the Glorious Revolution William III enlarged the army still further and began to engage it in serious warfare. The first pitched battle the English Army fought in Ireland was the battle of the Boyne. Here at least 15 infantry and 11 cavalry regiments fought the French and Irish. Other major engagements were the siege of Athlone and the battle of Aughrim. On the continent units were fighting in the war of the League of Augsburg. Here they fought in the battles of Walcourt, Steenkirk and Neerwinden and the 1695 siege of Namur. By the time of the peace of Rijswijk in 1697 England had a considerable and experienced army.

From 1697 to 1702

After the peace of Rijswijk parliament was bent on economizing. In December 1697 it stated that the English Army should count 7,000 men, the army in Ireland would count 12,000 men and that all regiments should consist of native Englishmen 2). Roughly this meant that excepting the abovementioned regiments all troops would be dismissed. It also meant dismissing 6 Scotch regiments (Lauder, Murray, Colyear, Strathnaver, Mackay and Hamilton), the Brandenburg Regiment, The Gardes du Corps (Blue Guard) and the (Dutch) Horse Guards, all of which returned to Dutch establishment. Especially cold hearted was the dismissal of the Huguenot regiments that had fought so valiantly for England.

Though the dismissal of the foreign troops was indeed executed we cannot be so sure about the native troops. Of the native English infantry regiments that William III had erected (later 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32) we find that most still existed in 1751, even though 5 had been disbanded for a time. This of course says nothing about the strength of these regiments or the number of companies they contained. Anyway, to me the actual effect of the Commons' dictate seems to have been somewhat less dramatic than one would expect.

The English Army in 1702

When the crisis of the Spanish Succession escalated the Commons were of course somewhat more motivated to invest in the army. Recently disbanded regiments were hastily reformed and new ones established. This meant that on 1 January 1702 the English army was composed like this: (Look here for an exact Order of Battle 3))

* The Household Cavalry; consisting of 5 independent troops and 1 regiment
* The Guards; consisting of 2 regiments of Foot Guards
* The Cavalry consisting of 12 Dragoon Regiments
* The Infantry consisting of 22 Foot regiments (14 regiments would be added in 1702)

Obviously the information is incomplete, and I might update them once I have found reliable sources
OOC: It looks like I'm going to have uneasy time with France ~;)

Quote:

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OOC: It looks like I'm going to have uneasy time with France

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Same here, but luckely you have the land force, while the Dutch have the ubernavy.


Tho 2 years into the game Willem III will die, breaking the alliance the Republic and England ... tho in real they stayed allied.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stig

Same here, but luckely you have the land force, while the Dutch have the ubernavy.


Tho 2 years into the game Willem III will die, breaking the alliance the Republic and England ... tho in real they stayed allied.

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Quote:

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A. Each turn will be three months of real time.

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Well, eight turns are long enough before things start to get nasty.

But it's alternate history anyway, so who knows what might happen? :yes:

Would anyone happen to know where I could find an OOB for the Ottomans? I've found some decent 'generic' stuff, but I'm having trouble finding specifics.

I also think the UK has Highland regiments as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tran

Kingdom of England (in personal union with Scotland and United Netherlands/Provinces)

OOC: It looks like I'm going to have uneasy time with France ~;)

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Do not worry, noble King of England and Scotland! France is a peaceloving country and so is Her King, Louis Le Grand. :sunny:


==================================================

Some information about the Ottomanian military:


The total strength is about 320,000 men.

The Ottoman Army is divided into:
- Central Troops at the Sublime Porte or directly under the command of the Porte (kapikulu) – 120,000
- Troops of the Provinces (ejalet askeri) – 200,000

In former decades, the vast majority of the army had been light cavalry from the Provinces. Lately, the share of the central troops has been increased significantly. Main body is the Janitschar infantry. This made the army much less mobile than it had been before.

CENTRAL TROOPS
Central Guard Cavalry (about 15,000):

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

6 different guard regiments (alti bölük haki), composed of socalled bölük, of 1,000 soldiers. Each bölük had companies (ortas) with 60 - 100 soldiers..

1. Guard Regiment: Sipahi – 7,800 men
2. Guard Regiment: Silahdare - 6,000 men
3. Guard Regiment: Ulufeciyani jemin (mercs of the right wing) – 2,000
4. Guard Regiment: Ulufeciyani jessari (mercs of the left wing) – 1,500
5. Guard Regiment: Gurebai jessari (foreigners of the right wing) – 1,000
6. Guard Regiment: Gurebai jessari (foreigners of the left wing) – 1,000

Central Guard Infantry (Janitschar) – 80,000

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Divided in three unequal divisions:
cemmat (the core of the Janitschars)
sekban (dog watchers)
hellebardiere (guard)

cebeci: arm smiths – about 6,000

topci – artillery: 10,000 men

top arabaci – transport of the cannons – 3,000 men

kumbaradci – miniers – 1,000 men


Troops of the Provinces ((ejalet askeri)
Cavalry: (155,000)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spahis: 15,000 (these were soldiers, that had a feud)
Cebelis: 70,000 (each Spahi had to pay cebelis, these had extreme low quality)
Tartars: 70,000 light cavalry without fire arms from the Crimea
Mameluks: cavalry of former slaves in Egypt

Infantry of the Provinces
Azaps: 30,000 light infantry, often used as garrison or on ships
Many others

:sweden: :sweden: :sweden: :sweden: :sweden: :sweden: :sweden: :sweden:

Of the Swedish Empire and her noble rulers, the Vasa Dynasty

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...lesser-coa.png

Sweden is a rich land that occupies a large portion of the Scandinavian peninsula. It is bordered by Norway to the West and Denmark to the South (across the Skanerag) . In 1700, Sweden had holdings around the Baltic, including most of Livonia, Karelia, Ingria, Estonia, Upper Pomerania, parts of lower Pomerania, the Isle of Wollin (with the right to all of Lower Pomerania, should the Hohenzollerns of Brandenburg expire). We also control access to the 3 major rivers in Northern Germany: the Oder, the Elbe and the Weser. In addition, we have a vote in the Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire, and along with France, we stand as co-guarantors of the Treaty of Westphalia.

We have no alliances per se, but we are always friendly with France and lately have found friends among the Ottomans. We have recently defeated Denmark. We also have long standing feuds simmering with Saxony and Russia. Occasionally, hostilities erupt with Poland and or Prussia.

Wealth-wise, the Swedish crown enjoys great wealth, due to the rich natural resources of Sweden itself as well as our new holdings. We've also benefited from an extended period of autocracy, backed by the will of the people (in the form of the Riksdag, or Swedish parliament). This means that nobles freuently see their fiefs returned to the state, and those that hold their lands do so tenuously, and pay heavy taxes. Sweden's resources include timber, furs and metal ores.

The Swedish navy is modern and new, headquarted at Karlskrona. Our fleet boasts a total of 43 ships, manned by 11,000 men and over 2648 guns, one of the most powerful in the world.

Our army is relatively small but highly trained and skilled. Sweden maintains one of the best standing professional armies in Europe, and we have drilled our men to a point where they can maintain the highest rate of fire of any European army. The standing army in 1700 remains at 77,000. Morale of the troops is second to none.

And course, there's our secret weapon, the Bikini Team. :laugh4:

Our principal problems include: for controlling so much territory, we have a rather small population; almost all of our neighbors hate us and conspire together to deprive us of our glorious empire; our young king (Charles XII) who while tactically gifted, is an utter imbecile at long term strategy and diplomacy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Franconicus

Do not worry, noble King of England and Scotland!

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You forgot Netherlands! :no: Our minions friends might take that as insult

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Franconicus

Some information about the Ottomanian military:

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Is that so? What do your spies know about our glorious kingdom then? :wink2:

Ok, one question: we will have to deal with some non-playable factions in our efforts, right? If so, I'm assuming that we would conduct diplomacy with them via DoH. Am I correct in this thought process?

Quote:

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Is that so? What do your spies know about our glorious kingdom then?

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- more than you might want to know ~;)

:coffeenews: This is the latest (and propably) last report of my intelligence:

NAVIES:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ships_of_the_line_of_Spain
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._line_of_Italy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ps_of_the_line
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_galleons_of_Spain
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._sail_frigates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...line_of_Russia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...Dutch_Republic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._sail_frigates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._sail_frigates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...se_naval_ships

Northern war:
Sweden:
could field about 100,000 soldiers (including mercenaries) oh highest quality and equipment; best part was the cavalry, that did not bother firing their pistols but charged everything
Navy: between 38 and 42 ships-of-the-line and 12 fregates with total number of guns 2,700 cannons

Denmark:
35,000 soldiers, 33 ships-of-the-line and 7 frigates

Kursachsen: 30,000 soldiers

Poland: no permanent army

Russia: in a phase of restructuring; at the beginning of the war, the Russians won’t be able to deploy more than 35,000 soldiers (plus peasants etc. for work and supply). Not enough guns!

Nice list with ships Franc, however there are far more ships than just ships of the line

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stig

Nice list with ships Franc, however there are far more ships than just ships of the line

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Right! Please do not heitate to list them. ~:cheers:

By the way, the list includes ships with more than 30 cannons. I do not think that smaller ships did play an important role in the 18th century naval warfare. Maybe fire ships, I do not know. Of course there are also merchant ships, but I do not have a clue about them.

Well I know the Dutch had loads of smaller ships, mainly to suit some support role. They were quicker as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stig

Well I know the Dutch had loads of smaller ships, mainly to suit some support role. They were quicker as well.

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Well, I remember! Tourville mentioned it when he gave the reports of Beachy Head and Lagos. He said that the Dutch ships were quicker - err - inflamed. ~;)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped..._July_1690.jpg