17th century

[SwordsMaster]

A proclaimation by King James

His Majesty also notes that the King of Spain is reduced to pedaling false titles to prop up his fading regieme. I have instructed my admirals that, despite their recent boost in financial good fortune care of Spanish silver, they need not purchase land and titles in Spain yet - soon it will be in my gift, so why waste your money.

Finally, his Majesty reflects on the recent gathering of Catholic Nations. It appears they all agree on everything except the subject of doing something or paying for it. It seems amongst so much posturing, only the King of France emerges with any honour. Still the events will provide the playwrights of England with excellent material for a comedy of errors.

God save the King

Franc - well done on 2,000 posts - this should be my 400th!!

The envoy of His Catholic Majesty the King of Spain would like to point out to the attention of king James that the only land that has been conquered so far, is the land of the english barons in Ireland, who have all ran and scattered as soon as they saw the irish arrive to their opulent castles.
Is the king of england sure that there is anything in his admirals but the love for young boys? We did hear unholy stories of sodomy in the english navy that king James maybe should look into. My envoy will provide him with details so he can remedy the situation or keep encouraging it as he had been doing lately.

OOC: Congrats to both on the postcounts!!

[IrishArmenian]

I beleeve the King of France receeved my envoy. Correct?

[Rodion Romanovich]

CHAPTER 7 - March 1st, 1612 AD
...this chapter will affect the events from March 1st, 1612 AD to August 1st, 1612 AD

The Anglo-Spanish war continues. In Ireland, the Spanish advance rapidly and capture Limerick, which has been abandoned by the English garrison. The Spanish troops find that all supplies, ammunition and cannons in the city have been destroyed in the retreat. Meanwhile, English raids harass southwest Ireland, but the Spanish have divided their forces in two groups, one group clearing and defending key areas in the southwest parts of the island, and the English cavalry raids are mostly inefficient and soon forced to retreat. In October, half of the Spanish forces and most of the Spanish cavalry and guns are marched towards Dublin. Initially, they have no difficulties keeping up the supply lines to Dublin, but when the winter comes, the situation gets more critical. At the same time, the English renew their raids in southwest Ireland from bases south of Dublin, and due to the lack of Spanish cavalry in these parts, the raids are quite effective. By late November, the Spanish force at Dublin is compelled to retreat due to supply problems, planning a new offensive for the spring. The force is too small to assault the city of Dublin alone with the other troops remaining in southwest Ireland, but the English raids make it difficult to keep up the supply lines to Dublin without a decent sized garrison in southwest Ireland. Spanish losses are despite the supply problems limited and during the winter the Spanish commander trains up a large force of southwest Irish troops in shooting, marching and using pike, while more Irish levies join their combined army. Near Dublin, Irish guerilla warfare damages English supplies and transports to Dublin. Northern Ireland has declared loyalty to the English crown, while most other territories try to stay neutral in the conflict.

In the Americas, the Spanish attempt a land operation towards the English colonies with temporary recruited locals, but must abort the offensive due to the difficult terrain conditions along the path between the Spanish positions and English Virginia. Over 400 of the locally recruited troops die from starvation and disease before the army retreats south again. In the meantime, the English fleet launch naval operations against Spanish shipping, when they are captured at the end of a narrow straits by the Spanish naval forces in the area. While the English try to turn around to avoid meeting the Spanish broadsides with their fronts, one ship is severely damaged by Spanish cannons and lists heavily as it disappears at the other end of the straits, while another ship runs aground. Despite the advantage gained through inflicting these losses on the English forces, the Spanish don't pursue the enemy in order to not be captured in the same trap themselves at the other end of the straits, and they are unable to tell whether the damaged ship was sunk or not. As a result of the small victory, the Spanish fleet temporarily gains the upper hand in the area and immediately carry out a raiding operation on the English Bermudas, where they land troops and damage the English installations heavily. By November, the situation for the British forces there is critical, but before the Spanish forces can capture the key locations on the island the English fleet returns and engages the Spanish forces aggressively before the end of the year. The English have 7 ships, the Spanish have 9, but the English fleet takes advantage of the difficult straits and can open fire on a small portion of the Spanish fleet before the other Spanish ships can come to their aid. After a long engagement where most ships on both sides take damage, one of the Spanish ships begins to sink, and the remaining ships decide to withdraw. While sinking slowly, the Spanish ship, of high-quality and armed with as much as 70 cannons but unlucky enough to be victim of English fire concentration, fires it's last salvoes at the English ships. The English must give up their attempts to capture the ship as is still dangerous as it sinks, and instead try to pursue the remainder of the Spanish fleet, which uses 2 older galleons as rearguard to cover their retreat. The main fleet manages to escape, though damaged, while the rearguard ships surrender. The English forces pick up the survivors from the sinking 70 cannon ship. One of the captured 2 galleons has an alarming water intake and is left to it's fate after the Spanish crew is taken onboard the English flagship.

In the English channel, the blockade remains, and Spanish shipping there remains inactive in order not to have ships captured. The English send out a large fleet towards Ireland, but are unable to find any Spanish shipping to intercept. In January, the English navy after its failed attempts south of Ireland redirects its attention to Spanish ports in the Bay of Biscay. They target the port of El Ferrol with a fleet of 26 warships and 2 fireships. Staying outside the port, they carry out a slow bombardment over days as if to try and bring the Spanish fleet into action, but it remains hidden even as the English commander sends 2 fireships into the harbor, causing significant damage on harbor installations, destroying 3 smaller merchants and damaging another 5 lightly. Spanish shore batteries score a few hits on the English fleet but cause no significant damage, however the English decide to withdraw after an ineffective cannon bombardment of the harbor installations in order to not be caught low on ammunition or take further damage from the batteries. The port is damaged heavily, mostly due to the fireships, but the shipyard is better protected and only takes very limited damage from the cannon bombardment. Spanish cavalry from the garrison prevents any English landings from being carried out. The English fleet retreats safely to port by early March. In Spain, despite the war, the repaying of debts have been resumed, however the recruitment of troops and production of equipment has limited the repaying speed. Around 64% of the debts remain to be payed off. It is unclear to England how they have managed to pay off their debts when most of the silver fleet escort seems to have been used for operations in Europe since the English raid on the silver fleet last year, and the announcement to sell noble titles can hardly have been the cause of this sudden improvement, or can it? At the same time, the Spanish Mediterranean fleet responds to the channel blockade by confiscating 3 English and 2 Dutch merchants outside the Spanish coast, accusing them of contraband. They also blockade the straits of Gibraltar in a similar manner.

In the Russian civil war, the Polish forces move quickly from their position in Moscow. 1,000 Russian infantry, 5,000 husaria and 4,000 mercenary cavalry approach and besiege Tver. However the Russian garrison has been reinforced recently and decides to not surrender immediately. It consists of 1,500 men, mostly infantry. The Polish forces maintain the siege of the city over the winter. Oddly, the supply routes from Moscow to Tver remain untouched by Russian forces, and they aren't forced to withdraw. In the meantime, a Polish expedition of 1,000 men is sent from Livonia to Pskov, forcing the road constructions in the area to be temporarily aborted. The Russian garrison in the city consists of 1,000 men, safe from the 1,000 Polish troops behind their strong defenses, and by the difficult Polish supply routes that eventually bring the Polish forces into a retreat as the winter approaches.

The Ottomans, accusing the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth unable to restrain the Zaporozhian Cossacks from carrying out raids into Ottoman land in and south of Moldavia, launch a military operation north aiming for the Polish hearthlands via Kiev. 15,000 Janissaries, 35,000 Timariot cavalry, 1,200 standing army professional cavalry, 8,000 local levies and auxiliaries and 50 cannons have been prepared for the invasion. Initially, they have some success in their march north, but soon run into supply problems as they try to cross the mountains of Moldavia by foot. Before they've reached Kiev, winter has begun, and the Grand Vizier is alarmed by the high losses to disease and starvation. After losing 1,000 men without having met the Polish in battle, he decides to retreat, and returns to Ottoman possesions further south to resupply and prepare for a possible renewed offensive in the spring. Clearly, the path through Moldavia with it's mountains, followed by arid steppe beyond, is too difficult for such a large army. On the other hand, a thrust up through Transylvania would have been equally difficult - while the land beyond the impregnable mountains is less arid, the Transylvanian forces have more men available for defense than the Polish have in Moldavia, and could receive support from the Holy Roman Emperor.

In Bohemia, the situation for the rebels starts to get critical. Not only do the besieging Catholic League forces bring the rebels in the city of Prague close to starvation during the winter in their continued siege, but the support from the Protestant North, including Brandenburg, is also withdrawn, weakening the rebel forces and making them unable to muster enough strength to relieve the siege or effectively raid Tilly's supply lines. As the situation of the rebel forces starts getting even more critical, the Emperor makes a threatening declaration that any German local rulers who support the revolts will be invaded and their territory taken directly under the Emperor's control. He also continues to state that all rulers of who engage in "treasonous acts" will be executed as traitors and their families exiled. It's unclear whether or not this applies to those who initially supported the revolt but have now withdrawn their troops, for example Brandenburg. The remaining scattered rebels continue to avoid battle, hoping to rally more support to the revolt, while carrying out limited raids on Tilly's supply lines, but without being able to damage them enough to force him into retreat over the winter, even if some 1,000 men are lost to disease and lower rations in the coldest months. At the same time the siege of Prague is coming close to an end, the Emperor finances the formation of a small army to be led by a rich Bohemian Catholic named Wallenstein to be used for launching diversionary attacks on some of the local rulers who have passively supported the Bohemian revolt, to force them to withdraw their troops.

To the north, Denmark and Sweden declare peace, ending their short war. Sweden gets back the Alvsborg fortress, while in return recognizing Danish supremacy over northern Norway and the areas north of Sweden. Danish economy is relieved by the end of the war, and has a good chance of improving over the coming years despite the declining food price in Europe. Due to the ship building in the Netherlands, France and Spain the demand for ship timber is high, and the Norwegian timber industry is a major supplier of these materials. In the meantime, Swedish copper and iron exports improve again as soon as the ceasefire is signed. The Swedish also begin reforms for their army.

In the Holy Roman Empire, the Protestant North along with the Netherlands and Brandenburg declare a toll free area to stimulate trade to the north. In two notable trade treaties with Sweden and Poland, the Netherlands also manage to wrestle control over much of the Baltic Sea trade. The Dutch will transport Polish goods through the Oresund straits with 10% tax on Dutch profits going to the Polish crown, and Swedish goods through the straits with 10% tax on Dutch profits going to the Swedish crown. However Denmark is excluded from the diplomatic discussions, perhaps due to the tension caused by the undesired, but for Denmark highly profitable, Oresund straits toll. The same year, the Netherlands also form a Republican Horse Guard, consisting of Polish and Finnish high quality cavalry. In return, the Dutch pay a sum to the Swedish and Polish rulers corresponding to the upkeep cost of a total of 7,500 mercenaries for 1 year, with future replacements ordered from these countries to be payed for by similarly large sums. The horse guard is to initially consist of 1,000 elite cavalry, 500 Polish husaria and 500 Finnish Hakkapelittaa, and the trade is supported by the Polish and Swedish monarchs.

In France, it is announced that France and Savoy has been made a toll free area for merchants. In the meantime, the starvation problems in Nouvelle France are solved by a grain shipment bought from Denmark. The colony continues expansion inland along the river to set up camps for trade and hunting, and also launch a navally supported operation to establish fishing bases in Newfoundland in order to improve the future capabilities to supply Nouvelle France with food. Local fishermen are ruthlessly driven away from the area in the process. In Congo, the French fortresses which have been under construction for a while, are now completed, and reconnaissance operations are sent up the river to prepare for the establishment of fortresses further upstreams. A French postal service is also founded this winter. It's first lines will cover the routes to the colonies and between all major cities within France and will be built up over the coming years. A French treaty with the Holy Roman Emperor grants France monopoly on silk trade with the Holy Roman Empire. This outlaws imports of silk from merchants from the Netherlands and the Protestant North territories.


BRANDENBURG

1. the Holy Roman Emperor. He has threatened the Protestant North, but now you have made sure to withdraw the mercenaries Brandenburg supported the Bohemian rebels with. How should you proceed to make sure the Holy Roman Emperor doesn't take advantage of the defeat of the Bohemian rebels to redistribute his troops to strike the Protestant North and treathen Brandenburg?
a. support the rebels again, the Emperor can't be trusted. If the rebels receive enough support they will delay the Emperor's forces a lot and maybe even defeat them
b. support the south-German supporters of the revolt. This will make it possible for them to hold back Wallenstein's diversionary attack and be an important way of weakening the Emperor in a slightly longer term
c. again declare your neutrality in the conflict in Bohemia, and also demand the Emperor to confirm that you won't be a target to the punishments he threatens to hand out against "traitors" (use PM). If this is made a formal declaration it could give France (that seems to have been seeking an excuse to join the war) a suitable excuse to attack the Emperor if he attacks you, thus perhaps making you safer
d. as c, but more directly threaten the Emperor to not attack you, or any other parts of the Protestant North. Also try to make Denmark and/or the Netherlands and/or France make appropriate threats to assist the Protestant North if it is attacked by the Emperor. A statement like this would perhaps pressure the Emperor more and make him appear weak if he accepts - something that would perhaps rally more support to your side and more importantly make it possible for you to have a stronger influence in the affairs of the entire Holy Roman Empire if the Emperor is scared by your strength to the north
e. try to cooperate with the Emperor in beating the revolts. Send troops or money to assist him. This would cost most of your influence in the Protestant Union (which currently gives you a dominant and quite influential position over all territories of the Protestant North part of the HRE), but in return perhaps make the Emperor like you better

2. the rumors from the Catholic meeting in Rome indicate that the Catholic Poland and Holy Roman Empire have strenghtened their cooperation. This could mean a future united Catholic front against all Protestants, including Brandenburg. You could increase your influence within the Protestant Union by hosting a similar meeting for Protestants in Brandenburg. This would also be important for strengthening the unity between the Protestants in response to the Catholic unity, especially if the Catholics really wish to pressure Protestant territories. This meeting would include England, Denmark, the Netherlands and possibly also France (due to the tolerant view of France and its large Huguenot portion of the population)
a. yes, host a Protestant meeting to try and unite the Protestant countries
b. no, don't host any such meeting
c. try to make some other Protestant country (Netherlands, Denmark, England, France) hosts a Protestant meeting

3. the Emperor has decided that silk may not be bought into the HRE from any other country than France. This means that if Brandenburg buys silk from Netherlands or import it with their own merchant ships from the East Indies, they will be considered criminals by the Emperor. This might be a way for the Emperor to weaken the Protestant North economically
a. make a statement where you recommend the Emperor to withdraw the statement, as it only benefits France and damages many merchants in the northern parts of the Holy Roman Empire
b. just continue importing as you wish, ignoring what the Emperor might say
c. just continue importing as you wish, but try to make it secretly
d. obey the new regulation from the Emperor even if it hurts your trade. It might improve relations with the Emperor

4. your army currently consists of 6,000 men. Your navy consists of 2 old warships and 10 merchants. Do you wish to make any changes? Hire mercenaries or disband troops? Build or buy ships? The current army strength costs slightly less in upkeep than your current annual income. Your spies have revealed that Poland has around 2,000 men, mostly infantry, just south of Prussia, some 17,000 men in Russia, 1,000 in Livonia, and 5,000 men at Moldavia. A further 2,000-3,000 could be expected to be defending the core regions of the Commonwealth. Your spies also reveal that the Holy Roman Emperor has currently some 22,000 troops in Bohemia, and 15,000 in Austria and Hungary, to protect from the Ottomans. While the Emperor has slight economical problems at the moment, Poland have a fairly stable war economy due to their selling of some of their husaria to the Dutch.


DENMARK

1. the trade competition situation in the Baltic Sea could be an attempt to weaken the Danish control over the Oresund Straits. The competition so far only involves Poland and Sweden, but there have been no discussions with Denmark. While the declining food prices are a threat to Danish economy which makes a high Oresund straits toll more important, there's also the danger of provoking hostility, if the Oresund toll so far hasn't already done so
a. keep the Oresund toll as it is. It wouldn't stir up any feelings that aren't already present
b. raise the customs duty fare. This would compensate lost profit due to declining food prices, and would ensure you that the large Danish army and fleet could be maintained
c. lower the customs duty fare. This would be appreciated by many, but could also be seen as a sign of weakness. In the long term it could also weaken Danish economy which would weaken the Danish military

2. the revolt in Bohemia seems to have been nearly suppressed by the Emperor, and the Emperor has made threats that perhaps the Protestant North will be attacked as soon as the revolt to the south has been suppressed. Such statements from the Holy Roman Emperor sound dangerous for a Protestant country like Denmark. Once the revolt in Bohemia is defeated, it's likely that the Emperor will also attack the Protestant North, an operation which would disrupt much of the Danish trade with the Protestant North, and if the Emperor is successful he might also advance further north and attack Denmark itself, threatening Jutland. If Denmark is weakened in this way it would open the path for Swedish expansion - and given the previous hostilities Sweden is perhaps likely to take advantage of such a situation. Do you wish to intervene in the Bohemian revolt or assist the Protestant north in any way at this time?
a. yes, support the Bohemian revolt military and/or economically (specify how many troops or how much money to send). It's better to intervene this way than facing full scale war later
b. yes, support the Protestant North military and/or economically (specify how many troops or how much money to send). It's better to intervene this way than facing full scale war later
c. yes, but only by making a statement that you will interfere if the Emperor attacks the Protestant North
d. no, it'll cause aggression, that isn't present yet, from the Holy Roman Emperor

3. your army. Now that peace has come, perhaps it might be good to disband some mercenaries for the sake of the Royal economy. Your current strength costs more than your annual income to support. You currently have 11,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry at Lund, 3,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry in Zealand, 4,000 troops in Jutland, and 1,000 in Norway. Decide how many men to keep, and how to distribute them between your possessions
a. keep the strength at 19,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry for now, even if it strangles your economy
b. reduce the strength to 12,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry. This will mean a small net income every year
c. reduce the strength to 9,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry. This will be possible to maintain without any problems and free up much money for improving the navy etc.

4. do you wish to form the professional cavalry guard unit to be called "Zealand Life Regiment"?
a. yes, make it 1,000 men strong
b. yes, make it 500 men strong
c. no

5. your fleet currently consists of 17 warships (of which 8 are old one-deckers) and 47 merchants for a total of 64 ships. Your shipyards currently have a capacity for building 1 new modern warship and 1 new merchant earch year, or 0 warships and 3 merchants.
a. carry out a reform to increase the navy to a strength of 15 first-class modern warships, 8 old warships, and 55 merchants. With the current speed, the project would be completed within 9 years (by mid-1620)
b. as a, but also speed up the process by trying to extend the capacity of the shipyards, and have the ships ready in no more than 4-5 years (however given the expansion of navies abroad, there might be a shortage of ship builders around to hire)
c. as b, but offer higher salary to ship builders than any other country does. This could draw ship builders away from those countries and grant you the labor force you need, but be more expensive for you
d. produce 1 warship and 1 merchant a year and sell all ships produces to England and/or Spain - they're perhaps ready to pay overprice while they're at war with each other and the trade would be good for your income (contact Spain and/or England by PM)
e. don't build any warships at all in order to save money, but build a few more merchants to improve your economy

6. colonies. With the French colonial expansion, and the now weakened Spain, it seems like founding a few colonies is less dangerous and could even be profitable for the Danish crown. Do you wish to send an expedition somewhere? Specify with how many warships, how many merchants, and how many soldiers, and specify where you wish to send the expedition to. It might be worth it to discuss with other countries where you could establish a Danish colony without their intervention. The English and French seem to have divided North America between them. Spain would probably accept a Danish colony in return for money to pay off their debts, or something that could help them in their war with England. It's likely that if the colony is accepted by some nation it isn't necessarily accepted by another nation


ENGLAND

1. The Anglo-Spanish war
a. try to end the war, it has had its effect of weakening the Spanish economy in the long term. Continuing the war would weaken the English fleet compared to the expanding Dutch and French fleet, something that might not be desireable. Finally, the Spanish seem to have found your weak point in their blockades of Gibraltar and outside the Spanish west coast in response to the channel blockade. It effectively cuts off much of the English East India trade. By blockading instead of attacking, they aren't giving the East India Companies enough excuse to attack the Spanish militarily, as they did before.
b. start peace negotiations now, even if you don't necessarily to conclude the negotiations this summer. It could be a good idea to start imposing harsh demands on the Spanish already now, so that they get some time to think over them and accept the thought of an unfavorable peace treaty
c. just continue the war for now

2. Ireland?
a. continue to concentrate forces to defend Dublin, if needed use the fleet to transport supplies to the garrison if besieged. The raiding cavalry continues to strike illoyal Irish to burn their supplies etc.
b. as a, but if the Spanish threaten Connaught, prepare to use your fleet to send reinforcements to Northern Ireland if needed, to assist the loyal Irish forces there against Spanish attacks
c. land reinforcements in Ireland and fight a large scale battle with the Spanish forces
d. something else, specify

3. American fleet?
a. repair it as quickly as possible, but stay out of action until all are ready again, then use it aggressively
b. repair it as quickly as possible, but stay out of action until the 5 first ships are ready again, then use it aggressively
c. use the fleet more carefully, wait until all ships are repaired, and then concentrate on gaining naval superiority. Confirm this superiority before moving on to any operations against transports, shipping and harbors etc.
d. use the fleet to defend the Bermudas at all cost (specify if you wish to move troops from Virginia there to reinforce the position)

4. Europe. Where is the Spanish main fleet that tries to stay out of action?
a. raid more Spanish ports. The Spanish fleet is probably somewhere outside the Iberian peninsula and destroying Spanish ports and shipyards will probably be enough to provoke them to an engagement. Use fireships again, seeing as they had the greatest effect at El Ferrol. See how far south you can get, perhaps Seville or Lisboa are the most interesting raid targets this time
b. as a, but don't waste any more ships on fireships. You only have 2 captured ships left
c. as a or b (specify which), but be more aggressive this time, even if it means risking to run low of ammunition - if the raid doesn't cause more damage it is useless.
d. land troops in Portugal, specify how many and where
e. abort the raids, and instead concentrate on supporting Ireland. Defend Northern Ireland, the Spanish route to Cork, etc. The fleet could also support naval bombardment raids or landings. If the Spanish garrison at Cork is too small, it could be possible to land troops and take the city. Otherwise, it could be worth it to just send the fleet to recon the Spanish strength in Cork. There are however some nasty shore batteries at the city. Dublin, if besieged, might also need supplies or reinforcements (see no. 2)
f. the Spanish might be trying to send another silver fleet from the Americas to finance their war. Send out ships to try and intercept it again. Specify how many to send

5. what to do about the Spanish prisoners taken in the latest naval battle in the Americas? And what should be done to try and get back the English prisoners taken in the first naval engagement?


FRANCE

1. the food problems in Nouvelle France are over. It seems to all have just come down to a single failed harvest, along with the almost doubled population of the colony in a short period of time (agriculture is capable of expanding almost to twice it's previous size every year, if done carefully and most of the grain isn't eaten but recycled into the earth). The agricultural expansion has continued and has this year produced a small surplus, however not enough to send any surplus to France yet. A further increase of the output by about one third is expected next year, with another even larger expansion next year. The total population of the French settlements here amounts to 21,000 men thanks to your programs for moving refugees here, however the English colonies and a declining amount of refugees willing to emigrate suggests a decreased migration here in the nearest future. Also, the infrastructure of the colonies isn't fully keeping up with the rapid population increase. Much work has however been carried out, with several further expeditions up the river. Smaller wooden forts have been established with settlements deeper inland. In Newfoundland, the men have started producing small ships for fishing (the warships aren't suitable for this), and expect to have a fishing fleet of 3 small ships ready by the end of the year. In the meantime, they use 2 of your merchant ships for this. The previous governor is still held in court procedures for the food crisis. The colony requests more skilled engineers to be sent from France, for constructing bridges, roads, channels and irrigation systems. Is there anything you wish the colony to change? How do you wish to try to get more engineers to the colony to build up basic infrastructure and plan for the foundation of a few larger cities to accomodate the parts of the population that aren't farmers? And what should be done about the previous governor?

2. the Congo and Ghana colonies have a total population of 7,000 men at the moment, with the Congo colony having the largest population. The reforms have prepared the auxiliaries needed for the colony and a new expansion up the Congo river is expected to be launched this spring. Is there anything you wish the colony to change?

3. what will the French stance on the heliocentric teachings be?
a. continue to teach them at French universities
b. forbid them
c. assign a council of people from the unversity of Paris to decide about the matter

4. the Anglo-Spanish war. Your advisors suggest that perhaps aborting the French naval reforms in favor of selling warships to England and/or Spain could be a very profitable thing to do. They might both be prepared to pay overprice for good warships as long as the war rages, or even pay overprice for slightly older ships (single gundeck) that you perhaps wouldn't mind getting rid of
a. sell some of the new warships to them (two gundecks and about 50-70 cannons)
b. sell some of your 7 oldest warships (not galleys though) to them at lower price than normal. Your oldest 7 warships are single gundeck ships armed with around 30-50 cannons

5. the complex politics in the Baltics region might be worth involving France into. Denmark, the Netherlands, the Protestant North, the Emperor's threats that might mean a good excuse to intervene in the HRE politics (see Brandenburg's options) in the future if the leaders in the region just happen to choose the right decisions...


HRE and AUSTRIA

1. Bohemia
a. finish the siege of Prague by assaulting. The nearly starved garrison would probably be easy to defeat and taking Prague quickly would make it more difficult for outside supporters of the revolt to send any aid to the rebels. Those that are doubting whether to support the rebels or not wouldn't get much more time to decide, and if the city falls they're more likely to choose not to support the rebels. If the city falls, specify what your troops should do after the city is taken.
b. continue starving out Prague. The city will probably fall by the end of summer
c. something else, specify what

2. Your great Ottoman war
a. prepare an offensive south from Austria and Hungary towards the closest Ottoman possessions. If the Ottomans are busy trying to attack Poland they might not have much forces available here
b. send scouting operations and/or spies to find out more about the Ottoman strength in the Balkans, Transylvania and Moldavia region (basically everything north of Istanbul/Constantinople)
c. prepare defenses in Hungary and Austria and assist Transylvania with 10,000 of your 15,000 troops in Austria and Hungary to together defend against any Ottoman advance
d. don't do anything

3. the Protestant North (Brandenburg and the other Protestant Union members), Denmark, the Dutch and Sweden seem to be an interesting group for planning future diplomatic strategies with. There's a bit of internal rivalry that could be taken advantage of, and a dangerous internal unity which could be useful to try and sabotage. It might be worth trying to find out more about what is really going on there

4. assisting Poland against Brandenburg
a. if Brandenburg attacks Poland, would you like to offer the Polish any military assistance? If you assault Prague successfully (if you choose 1a) you could always send part of the large 21,000 man strong army there to help Poland while leaving a part of the army (specify how many) in Prague for further operations against the rebels. This would mean Poland don't need to withdraw troops from their Russian war. Together with your forces they could provide some 4,000 men and Brandenburg could perhaps be held back.
b. send spies to Brandenburg to find out more about their strength and distribution of forces
c. make friends with Brandenburg, but only if they accept not to attack Poland
d. try to encourage Brandenburg to attack Poland
e. do nothing

5. assisting Poland against the Ottomans? Do you wish to support them in any way? If yes, specify how

6. Wallenstein has managed to assemble some 3,000 men already. Do you wish to order him to carry out operations already now, or wait until he has more men? He suggested striking the supporters of the rebels in a diversionary attack. Without more men that would be difficult, but he could assist in Bohemia right away if needed, however that would prevent him from training the remaining 2,000 men he promised to train. Tell if you wish to give any specific orders regarding these things.


NETHERLANDS

1. the Danish Oresund straits toll problem
a. try to pressure Denmark to lower the toll to improve your trade in the Baltic
b. do nothing
c. warn Denmark that they may not increase the toll or they will face consequences
d. pass a trade agreement with Denmark to improve the diplomatic relations with them, in return for a promise to lower the Oresund Straits toll for Dutch merchants. The Danish might feel threatened by the Dutch treaties with Sweden and Poland but the fact that none have been passed with Denmark

2. the Anglo-Spanish conflict (choose one or more)
a. offer to mediate to end the war (use PM or offical statement)
b. try to make the war continue so it breaks down the navies of both countries as much as possible (use PMs or offical statements)
c. cooperate with England to break the Spanish navy as much as possible (by PM), in return for a treaty with England where England recognizes Dutch supremacy over the parts of the East Indies captured by the Dutch East India Company and a few more positions
d. secretly support Spain in order to break down the English navy (use PM), in return for a suitable treaty from Spain (preferably some treaty that remains secret to the English)
e. encourage the Dutch East India Company to continue conquering Spanish possessions in the Phillippines. They have been reluctant to continue conflicts with Spain after Spain agreed to not attack any more merchants, but you could offer the Dutch EIC lowered taxes and tolls in return, or something else to make them change their minds

3. the France-HRE treaty about silk trade effectively prevents Dutch merchants from selling silk to the HRE. What to do about the situation? Silk is one of the more important products from the China trade
a. demand the Emperor to end the treaty or there will be consequences
b. demand the Emperor to have the treaty exclude the Protestant North in the HRE, or face consequences
c. continue importing silk to the Protestant North in the HRE. Due to the Emperor's problems in Bohemia and impopularity to the North, with your military assistance and some proper threats you could force the Emperor to not intervene if you import silk to the Protestant North. Offer military assistance to the North if the Emperor would threaten the region

4. fleets under construction. Both France and Denmark are seeking to improve their fleets. Perhaps a suitable excuse should be sought to intervene with this. If any of these two countries seem hostile or dangerous to the Netherlands, it might be worth directing naval actions at them now, before it's too late.

5. the Dutch fleet. You currently have 25 warships (of which 16 are older single gundeck types) and some 100 merchants. You can produce around 2 to 3 warships a year. The Dutch East India company has some 30 ships of which most are merchants, but they are excluded from military service. Your economy for this year has already been tried hard by the funding of the Dutch Horse Guard.
a. use the full ship building capability to increase the Dutch war fleet
b. don't build any ships this year, in order to save money
c. use the full ship building capability to produce ships for the English and/or Spanish. Since they're at war, they're likely to be willing to pay more than usual for ships
d. as d, but don't sell the newly produced ships, but some of your 16 older single gundeck ships

6. the Channel blockade?
a. continue
b. end


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. launch a new attempt of invading Poland?
a. yes, repeat the same manouvre, hopefully with better results now because they'll march in spring and summer weather
b. yes, but this time make more thorough preparations. Support an operation towards Kiev by sending much of your fleet up the Dnepr. Use the ships to transport some 8,000 of the troops, while another 8,000 could easily go through Moldavia (8,000 is about what the arid terrain there could support). Your fleet would need to constantly transport supplies north to the invasion army to support their siege of the city. The last part of the march of the navally transported troops would have to be by foot. Hopefully a fortified camp could be established at the landing area to protect from tatars and cossacks, so the supply route can be kept open.
c. key to conquering Poland goes through holding Transylvania. A force of some 50,000-70,000 men could be sent into Transylvania. This could be one of the best chances you'll ever get of invading Transylvania - the HRE is still busy in Bohemia and would have limited capabilities of assisting Transylvania
d. abort the attempts, just try to send a naval raid up the Dnepr to bombard Kiev and cause as much destruction as possible, even if there's a risk of losing many ships in the difficult waters. Sink any Polish merchant ships, fishing vessels, rowing boats or anything you can find in the river. Try to start a large fire in the city if possible. Also try to destroy ships belonging to the Polish-loyal Cossacks
e. send a strictly naval operation up the Dnepr. If Kiev is held by less than 2,000 Polish troops you could perhaps conquer the city from the water with 8,000 Jannissaries and 2,000 cavalry. If you can't hold the city, just pillage and burn, then retreat south. There's a risk of losing many men and ships in the operation due to navigation problems
f. don't do anything, but try to build fortresses in Moldavia (found a city at the mouth of the Dnepr), and encourage settlers to settle in key areas there. A small military operation against the Crimean Tatars could secure the entire coast between Moldavia and the Crimea and the mouth of Dnepr. If those areas could be colonized effectively, it could improve the chances of successfully carrying out future operations up the Dnepr to Poland, or at least against Tatars and Cossacks in the future
g. don't do anything, but request information from spies etc (specify what information you want)
h. launch several smaller operations - 8,000 men up through Dnepr as far as the river is navigable, 8,000 men up the Bug as far as possible, and another 8,000 through Moldavia. Send them to locate and capture key fortified positions in the southern Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, where raiding can give them more supplies even if they join their forces. If successful the operation could allow you to gather between 10,000 and 22,000 men in southern Poland, but it's risky and might have limited chance of success

2. the Grand Vizier
a. reward him for recognizing the necessity of retreating instead of seeing the entire army melt away
b. don't do anything
c. denote him for retreating rather than pushing on to Kiev. If he had conquered the city he would have found supplies for his army
d. as c, but have him executed for high treason

3. how encourage more settlers to settle between Moldavia and the mouth of the Dnepr? (choose one or more)
a. offer land and sell slaves at extra low price to any farmers who settle in the area to irrigate the arid ground and grow food there
b. arrange deportations to the region, try to find a suitable excuse for the deportations
c. offer much land in the region to retired soldiers
d. build fortresses in key locations to protect against raids from Tatars and Cossacks. Maintain a local garrison of some 7,000 men to defend the area to make settlers more willing to live there. Initially, the garrison would have to be supplied by food transports from Anatolia or similar, until the region could become self-supporting

4. the Ottoman fleet. Any ships you want to buy this year from any nation (by PM)? Your own fleet currently consists of 270 galleys


POLAND

1. the siege of Tver
a. try to persuade the garrison to give up without a fight before more Polish cannons and soldiers are moved there to assault the city. Promise them free return to Niznij Novgorod if they surrender immediately
b. as a, but kill/caputre (specify which) them after they surrender
c. move more troops and cannons to the city and try a siege and bombardment in preparation for assault
d. abort the siege and use these troops elsewhere

2. the Russian smaller garrisons between Moscow and Smolensk
a. they are a danger to Polish supply routes and must be destroyed quickly. 800 infantry and 500 cavalry should be enough to wipe them out one by one. The Russian total strength in the area is 1,000 men, but they're spread out in positions that can't support each other so a small Polish force would be enough
b. ignore them for now

3. diversion towards Pskov. In the springtime the supply routes here are easier. If you send some more men, and with cannons, they could act as a diversion from Tver, and could also enable you to capture Pskov, effectively cutting off the Russians from the Baltic Sea even more effectively than before
a. send some 3,000 men from Moscow to assist in the diversion. 800 men from Livonia would together with them and 15-20 cannons be able to take Pskov within a year and a half if not met by Russian sallying attempts (however the Russians at the same time have Tver and Moscow to worry about, and their route to Pskov is difficult, to say the least, so Russian intervention is perhaps unlikely)
b. don't send any more such expedition. Instead defend Livonia against possible Swedish or Brandeburg-Prussian aggression
c. reduce the garrison in Livonia to a mere 200 infantrymen and send the remaining 800 men to reinforce Moscow or Moldavia

4. what to do about Moldavia?
a. the coast is clear, withdraw 3,000 men from the area and use them on other fronts for defense against Sweden, Brandenburg, HRE, Russia or any other hostile or possibly future hostile nation (specify where to move the 3,000 men)
b. don't change anything
c. maintain the 5,000 men (of which 3,000 are Cossack and Tatar light cavalry) in the area, but concentrate most forces at Kiev
d. reinforce the region with 3,000 husaria, the Ottomans will probably not give up after a single failed attempt


RUSSIA

1. the siege of Tver. It should take about the same time for you to reach the city as it would take the Polish to get additional reinforcements there. You could however scout ahead of the forces and abort the operation if the Polish have reinforced their siege force, but there's still a risk that Polish cavalry patrols could still manage to intercept your army despite careful scouting
a. relieve the siege, with your slightly over 30,000 men strong army, with 20-30 guns. Not intervening would mean losing Tver, so it's worth the risk
b. prepare a relief operation, but if the Polish besieging force has more than 4,000 husaria try to retreat without battle
c. prepare a relief operation, but if the Polish besieging force has more than 7,000 husaria try to retreat without battle
d. don't try to relieve the siege now, let the city fall in Polish hands

2. reinforce Pskov? If yes, with how many men? Or reinforce Novgorod? You currently have 1,000 men in Pskov, 1,500 in Tver, 1,000 in Novgorod, 1,000 in Niznij Novgorod and the main army of over 30,000 men near Niznij Novgorod

3. a small expedition has just returned from Siberia. They report to you that they have had contact with the Chinese, and that a small colony has been established to trade with them. This could open another important trade route to the east, capable of competing with the East India Companies of many West European countries. They ask you to support them with 2,000 troops to help establishing forts along the way
a. support them with 2,000 men
b. don't support them at this time


SPAIN

1. the Anglo-Spanish war
a. try to end the war now. Point out to England that the blockade of Gibraltar and outside the Iberian peninsula will cut off most of their shipping from the East Indies. Demand that they accept the independence of southwest Ireland and pay off 10% of the Spanish debts and hand over 5 English warships as the conditions for peace
b. try to end the war now. Point out to the English both the blockade of Gibraltar and outside the Iberian peninsula, and the increasing strength of French and Dutch navies, along with the French colonial expansion compared to the English stagnation there. Demand only the independence of southwest Ireland (and with the independent Irish you can form a treaty of maintaining som Spanish bases in Ireland) and 10% of the Spanish debts payed off in return for peace
c. try to negotiate peace at some other conditions
d. don't try to end the war yet

2. Ireland, diplomacy. Your commander says that the wisest thing would be to negotiate a deal for key bases in Ireland while granting independence to the southwest Irish rebels, and also grant independence for all others who help the Spanish troops (this wouldn't mean an independent single Irish nation, but the formation of a number of smaller independent Irish states - Southwest Ireland, Connaught, Northern Ireland and Dublin region, with possibly some more). He suggests all Irish who assist the English should be conquered and their land handed over to those of the rebels that assisted the Spanish. While this gives limited direct benefits for Spain, it indirectly weakens the English, and that is more important at the moment, he says. He advises you not to try to make Ireland a Spanish province, or he'll get to fight both the locals and the English, and this would also mean losing the logistic support from the Irish rebels, which is what makes it possible to at all supply the Spanish forces in Ireland. He doesn't have any suggestion for what to do about those Irish who remain neutral in the conflict. They could either be granted independence or conquered. The Irish in Connaught are fairly neutral in the conflict. The Irish in northern Ireland seem to be willing to cooperate with the English, but aren't very active at the moment. At Dublin, there's the English garrison but the Irish there would probably assist you if they believe you're capable of wiping out the English prescence in their region
a. let the commander do what he recommends. As for the neutral Irish, give them independence. In an official statement admit the independence of the Irish territories in question and ask other nations to do the same. While Spain gains little from this, independence of some Irish regions would weaken England
b. let the commander do what he recommends. As for the neutrals, conquer their land and hand it over to the helpful. While Spain gains little from this, an independent Ireland would weaken England. Spain gains stronger loyalty from those Irish who have been helpful so far (which could grant a deal for maintaining important Spanish bases within their territories), but perhaps also strengthen opposition from the previously neutral Irish
c. let the commander do what he recommends. As for the neutrals, conquer their territories for the Spanish crown. This would give Spain excellent bases to threaten the English mainland in the future, or at least it could be a very effective way of preventing England from reestablishing their strength in Ireland after the war ends
d. do something else, specify

3. Ireland, military operations. The English seem to have gathered most of their men to make a stand in Dublin - their numbers are around 2,000 according to your information. The northern Irish are helping the English, while most others remain neutral at the moment
a. maintain garrisons of 300 men in Limerick and 700 men in Cork (larger in Cork due to its vulnerable coastal position), leave 1,000 Irish levies to defend southwest Irish farming and supplies against English raids, then use all other troops to besiege Dublin and assault it in early autumn. This would if successful wipe out the main English garrison in Ireland, and also be an important propaganda victory. Specify what policy to choose if Cork/Limerick/southwest Ireland is striked, raided etc.
b. as a, but reduce Cork garrison to 300 men to be able to strike harder (and defend better against English sally and relief attempts)
c. try to take control over Connaught. Controlling Connaught secures your retreat from the island if necessary, because the English will have great difficulties covering Connaught with their fleet and you have many options for paths to and from Connaught over the sea. Connaught would also be a good base for launching operations towards the Northern Irish, who have declared their support to the English. Initially offer Connaught independence from the English if they temporarily allow Spanish bases there - if they refuse conquer the bases by any force necessary. Connaught probably can't muster more than 1,000-3,000 levies to resist at this time (but they have possible reserves of up to 5,000 men in the long term over several years). If taking Connaught, specify what to do afterwards
d. as c, but withdraw if they don't accept the treaty in order not to anger them. Doing so might even convince them to change their minds. If taking Connaught, specify what to do afterwards
e. remain passive and try to gather more support. Engage weaker, isolated Irish forces who assist the English, while continuing training of the Irish forces and have them produce and stockpile more ammunition for your artillery and muskets in the meantime.

4. Carribbean
a. abort operations on the American east coast and in the Carribbean and try to stay defensive and avoid battle
b. the surviving English ships seem to be more damaged than your surviving ships, and are probably in docks, undergoing repairs. Take advantage of the situation and quickly strike the English ships with your only lightly damaged ships
c. as b, but use the advantage to try and invade the Bermudas - thin out ground troops garrisons in American colonies and quickly gather a large invasion force to overwhelm the English Bermudas garrisons
d. send more ships to reinforce the east coast before doing anything, specify how many to send. This would give the English time to repair their ships. Give naval bombardment of colonies lower priority

5. America
a. have your commander extend Spanish possessions gradually by establishing forts, roads and better infrastructure to strengthen the possibilities of supplying a future ground operation to Virginia (can't be combined with c this turn)
b. do nothing

6. European waters. You have 15 more ships possible to withdraw from Indian Ocean and other regions. Withdrawing too many would make the silver fleet to China unsafe (but you could cancel it temporarily and send twice as much silver next year for example). The EIC will have another ship ready for you by June. The shipyard in El Ferrol will be repaired in a few weeks and they expect to have a ship ready in May. Thanks to the peace with the Ottomans, you now also have the 5 galleons from the Mediterranean and the first low-quality EIC ship ready for action near the Iberian peninsula. On the older galleons or some merchants you could also load some 1,000 men for boarding actions (they will be able to board damaged enemy ships if/when the opposing fleet has been enough damaged and forced into retreat, and this will increase chances of capturing enemy ships if the enemy is defeated, but they could also possibly manage to board some undamaged ships). The English seem to have around 35 ships in Europe but don't seem capable of sending all of them offensively at the same time. Please specify where to keep the ships if staying defensive: El Ferrol, Lisboa, Seville, Carthagena or other place
a. don't engage the English fleet near the Iberian peninsula unless 3:2 odds. By amassing a large fleet here the English could be taken by surprise and be engaged in a decisive battle
b. defend the area more aggressively, engage the English to at all cost prevent further raids similar to El Ferrol
c. send an operation to reinforce Ireland, specify with how many troops and ships. Also try to defend approaches to Cork
d. send an operation around western Ireland to raid northern Ireland. The English ships might not expect this and leave the area undefended. Retreating in a wide arc would mean a fairly safe retreat home. After the Armada defeat the sailors should be familiar with the sailing and navigation conditions in these waters
e. send a silver fleet to Europe, hoping that the English fleet will be concentrated elsewhere
f. use these ships to reinforce the blockade outside the Iberian peninsula, making it possible to capture more of the English merchants and accusing them of contraband or similar. Capturing them as opposed to attacking them requires more ships, but in return capturing means the trade companies haven't got enough excuse to attack your East India possessions because the English and Dutch have been capturing ships in the same manner
g. stay defensive and concentrate on sending more ships to the Americas. Winning in this peripheral region has greater chances than winning a battle in the English channel for instance. On the other hand, reinforcing the region with too few ships wouldn't be a good idea either, if the English also reinforce the area

7. what to do to try and get back the Spanish prisoners taken in the latest naval battle in the Americas? And what should be done about the English prisoners taken in the first naval engagement (from the ship that ran aground)?


SWEDEN

1. the Alvsborg fortress region is weak and was easily captured by the Danish fleet due to it's exposed location. Perhaps it's worth to construct a fortress deeper inside the atoll, at the mouth of the Gota river, separated from the mainland only by a moat (so that your strong land army is capable of holding the area despite the superior Danish navy)
a. yes, it would be essential to do this to be sure that the Swedish keep control over this important only Swedish coast to the Atlantic Ocean. It is important to trade because it allows Swedish merchants to circumvent the expensive Danish Oresund straits customs duty
b. yes, but also found a city there. It would form an important strategic trade position. A fortified and important city blocking the path there would be devastating to the Danish in case of another war, more effectively than ever cutting off the route between Norway and Denmark. A city as opposed to a fort would also be more effective at getting merchants to the area
c. don't build a fortress there, as it could perhaps anger the Danish and provoke another war. Also - in order for such a city to be of any significance it would require a permanent garrison and it could be difficult to find enough citizens willing to settle in the city. The saved money could be used for something else

2. military reforms. You have already improved cannon production and passed a reform for increased training, now you can carry out further reforms
a. carry out the historical reforms. This would give you access to 25,000 infantry, 7,000 heavy cavalry and 2,000 lighter cavalry, all homegrown forces. Of these forces, around 10,000 men could form a standing army, with the remainder being possible to call in for use when needed. The fleet would remain 7 warships and 18 merchants strong.
b. as a, but limit the size of the standing army to 5,000 men in peacetime to save money
c. as a, but limit the infantry to 15,000 men, and instead try to expand the fleet to some 20 warships in the coming 10 years. Try to find foreign experts at ship building among the Dutch refugees that came to Sweden during the previous decade, or hire some men from abroad or buy complete ships from abroad (you could discuss by PM with the Dutch, English, Venice, Spain, Denmark). Or perhaps demand a few ships or a few Dutch ship builders (to help building or help educating ship builders) to come to Sweden in return for the Dutch Horse Guard treaty?

3. administrative reforms
a. found a university in Uppsala and other reforms for education, and also make the administration more effective in general (the historical reform)
b. do something else, specify if you have some additional reform ideas or changes compared to the historical reforms

4. mercenaries in your old army
a. disband all mercenaries from the war, they will be replaced by the new home grown forces
b. keep the most professional of the mercenaries for a while longer, while the new forces are being trained, then disband them when your newly trained troops are ready
c. keep all mercenaries a little while longer

5. your standing army forces. Decide how to distribute remaining mercenaries (if any) and standing forces of your new army. At least 500-1,000 are recommended to keep in Estonia, Keksholm and Karelia in order not to tempt the Polish to attack, and for maintenance of law and order. At least 500 are recommended to keep in key coastal possessions in Finland for similar reasons. Apart from that, you probably need military garrisons in Stockholm, the mines to the north, Kalmar, Alvsborg, and the possibly newly founded fortress near Alvsborg. It might be advisable to have one of the garrisons be significantly stronger and the home of a main army.

6. the situation in the Russian civil war. Both sides seem to be in big trouble at the time. You could perhaps have a chance of capturing either Polish or Russian land. The Russians have lost Moscow and risk losing Pskov and Tver, while the Polish are threatened to the south, with their Livonian garrison weakened. Extending your possessions in Karelia would more effectively cut off the Russians from the Baltic Sea (which is key to your important, quite dominant, position as middle man in trade between the Russians and others), and taking Riga would prevent the Polish from competing with Sweden for the title of being the major trading partner with the Russians. On the other hand, intervention against either Russia or Poland at the moment could be seen as backstabbing, and the Polish and Russians might not be as much weakened as they might seem at first sight, perhaps waiting a bit longer is advisable

[Kagemusha]

The republic of Netherlands announce the starting of the Dutch West India company that will concentrate on trading and exploring colonies in the area of Americas and West and South Africa. Shares are available to buy for citizens of the republic of Netherlands.

The Republic of Netherlands

[SwordsMaster]

His Catholic Majesty the King of Spain announces:

That all Irish peoples that aid Spain in their war against England, will be granted independence under that who they choose among themselves as their leader. Spain will recognise this government.

Those who aid England, on the other hand will be treated with all harshness and their lands and property give to those who fight against England.

Those remaining neutral will not be attacked, but the King's troops will march through their lands if strategically necessary. This will not be with hostile intentions, but if Spanish soldiers are attacked, the attackers will be treated as armed bandits.

In exchange, Spain will keep crucial strategic locations on the island for as long as His Catholic Majesty deems it necessary.

[Franconicus]

Thank you, Legio, for this new, intruiging chapter.

We have a lot of players and the diplomacy is getting out of control. What do you think about a time limit for the next turn, let's say until Monday evening? Then Legio can take the time he needs to write the next chapter.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Ok let's say diplomacy must be ready by Monday (any later diplomatic discussions might not affect the decisions of other players this turn, but might still be of interest to you). Decisions should be sent in by Saturday next week.