17th century

[Kagemusha]

If the Kaiser believes that the French musketeers could turn out to be rude towards him.We suggest he comes and surrenders to Republics troops. We could even arrange your majesty a trip to some southern location where sun always shines and there are no worries about many things except maybe mosquitos.

[Marshal Murat]

Wooo, interactive. Ummm, where is it.
Ah, another week of waiting.

[Ignoramus]

(Sorry for not being totally "on-topic") I only just discovered the Chapter House, is it too late to join this one?

[Rodion Romanovich]

(Sorry for not being totally "on-topic") I only just discovered the Chapter House, is it too late to join this one?

If someone drops out you could take his place, but at the moment any addition of players would make it unmanageable for me to handle.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Currently waiting for TRANSYLVANIA (Silver Rusher please send your decisions to me by PM)

[SwordsMaster]

Currently waiting for TRANSYLVANIA (Silver Rusher please send your decisions to me by PM)

Thought it was the new chapter.... *sigh*

[Incongruous]

Gah!

[Warluster]

If anyone doesn't want an certian country anymore i will take over for you!

[Kagemusha]

GAH! I need my 17th century fix or i will go Berserk!!

[Franconicus]

Has anybody heard something from Silver Rusher? Last time he posted here is more than a month ago!

[Ignoramus]

If he doesn't reply, can I take his place?

[Rodion Romanovich]

yes, it might be necessary to replace him if he doesn't respond...

[Kagemusha]

Sounds like a plan. Maybe Silver has forgot the game. So is it Ignoramus in to replace Silver as Transylvania, or would it be better for Legio to play Transylvania for this chapter and Ignoramus could choose his faction on next turn.Or where there someone else before him already? Atleast this way we could get our next chapter for the rest of the players faster.

[SwordsMaster]

I'd say that we should establish a time limit for posting. Everyone has to reply within the week, or, at least post in the thread to say when are they going to be able to reply if they are on a business trip/holiday/other RL stuff. If there is no answer within the week, their spot is free for anyone else willing to join.

[Rodion Romanovich]

I agree, but perhaps extend it to two weeks.

@Ignoramus: I give you 3 options and what to do depending on which you choose:
- option 1, jump in this turn, as Transylvania: PM me the decisions for Transylvania for this chapter
- option 2, jump in next turn, as Transylvania: don't do anything this turn, except tell me that you've chosen this option
- option 3, jump in next turn, as Denmark or some other major faction that isn't occupied at the moment: don't do anything this turn, except tell me that you've chosen this option

[Warluster]

Can i play as a major faction?

[Franconicus]

I think we should not add more factions. It becomes too complex and too slow. I wonder how poor legio can handle it at all.

I think Transylvania is not so important. There are some other factions that might be more interesting and have a bigger impact on the game.

Internal Factions like Portugese, Scottish or Huguenots, Trade organisations.
Country factions like: Denmark, Eastern or Western Indian tribes, African tribes.

If we want to integrate new recruits without extending the number of factions, we could split the existing ones. For example i could hire a viceroy for some of my colonies. We can discuss the actions internally and then I would send the plan to Legio, the way I used to do it. Therefore, the workload for Legio would not increase and the game would not be slowed down.

[Warluster]

I'll be Scotland!

[Franconicus]

Maybe my post was misleading. My proposal is, not to extend the numbers of factions. Only in case that we substitute one player, there should be the option to substitute one faction by another.

[Kagemusha]

Franc what is this talk about substituting factions? Is France planning to occupy other countries?Instead of bringing freedom from opressive regimees like the current HRE?

[Franconicus]

Non, Seigneur!

I was thinking about Transylvania. This is such a poor and underdeveloped country, that I can hardly find it on any French map.

However, you are right. Maybe we will need a new Kaiser, soon.
Or we torture the old one a but - err what I mean is painful questioning, not torture - and then pardon him.

Au revoir!

[Randarkmaan]

Non, Seigneur!

I was thinking about Transylvania. This is such a poor and underdeveloped country, that I can hardly find it on any French map.

Also, any Transylvanian ruler would have to get used to the notion of not being the supreme overlord of his lands, rather the vassal of a foreign country.

[Ignoramus]

LegioXXXUlpiaVictrix: I'll choose option 3, thanks.

Edit: I'd like to be Scotland, but by now the the Kings of Scotland are the same as England, so should I pick another one? Actually, could I play the Huguenots?

[Franconicus]

Sure! However, Huguenots are a bit boring, as they are loyal subjects of their beloved king

[Rodion Romanovich]

@Warluster: as explained above, I'm sticking to the principle of not adding any more factions, but only allow new players if someone drops out. Since Ignoramus posted before you he is prioritized, but that means you're now 1st on the queue and will be able to enter the game in case someone else drops out.

@Ignoramus: ok!
Re faction choice: Huguenots would probably be a bit tricky as Franc explained above (in the interactive their influence has been more limited than historically at this time), and both Portugal and Scotland would have similar problems. I think the most recommended factions would be:
- Denmark - a country with a farily strong economy, medium strong mercenary based army, very strong navy, easily-defended heartlands and they have been fairly active with colonies. They also have firm control over Norway.
- Transylvania - probably not as insignificant as some would claim. The heartlands were difficult for outsiders to campaign in, and thus difficult to conquer. Transylvania also had an army strength of some 30,000 men. Historically they played a major role in the Bohemian revolt, which had consequences for much of the rest of the 30 years war, and they had an important role in balancing between the Ottomans and the HRE, both of which considered expansion into Transylvania (and for a while Poland also considered expansion in about this direction), and their religious tolerance stance made Transylvania fairly successful in their interventions in Hungary. Would be quite interesting from a diplomacy perspective...
- The Crimean Khanate is also possible, but I think it would be a bit tricky to make it interesting to play as
- Dutch East India company could be an interesting trade company faction to play as. With their large fleet and many land positions controlled in the East Indies they would be quite influential
- some of the Italian small states, such as Genoa/Venice etc. - especially Venice due to their position as producer of high quality ships and their holdings in the Eastern Mediterranean that were subject to Ottoman expansion later in the 17th century. They also have an old trade tradition that they've lost but could seek to reestablish, or fight French and Spanish interventions in the region, as well as pleasing the Pope.

...all remaining factions I can think of (though I might have forgotten one or two) would probably be quite difficult to simulate, or have only very limited relations with the other factions that are currently occupied by players

[Kagemusha]

Some nice ideas.Altough how Dutch East India could play as political entity? It was a private company owned by the citizens of Dutch Republic and it was loyal to the Republic. If it would start its own foreign policy,im afraid we would have to hang or decapitate the ones dealing with foreign powers. Is the chapter up soon?

[Franconicus]

Ignoramus,

I do not want to discourage you, but currently there is no homogeneous block of Huguenots. There are some in the service of the King, like Henri III, the leader of the army. Others are spread around the country. Many Huguenots live in La Nouvelle France.

Therefore you will have to decide which character you want to play.

You could be Henri III, the leader of the French army. Defeating the Emperor could be great fun, but then you have to be loyal and obey my orders. And after the victory, which might come very soon, there is little to do. France is such a peaceful country.

You could also become governor of Northern America, or Africa or India.

[Randarkmaan]

How about Persia (Safavids)? Though I'm not sure if they were really important at this time, though they weren't exactly on friendly terms with the Ottomans, I also think that the Russians tried to grab some land from them.

EDIT: Also it could serve to 'uncover' the truth about my (The Ottoman Empire) so-called religious tolerance, as Shi'ism was banned by the Ottomans in the 16th century (Not sure if made it legal again sometime).
However to be realistic, it may be a little hard for Legio, I think, to incorporate a completely new faction into the game at this state.

[Rodion Romanovich]

CHAPTER 10 - August 1st, 1613 AD
...this chapter will affect the events from August 1st, 1613 AD to March 1st, 1614 AD

Somewhat to their surprise, the Protestant Union forces notice that Tilly stays in Berlin despite the obvious dangers and the reduced strength of his forces, allowing them to complete the trapping of his army. With newly arrived support from Denmark and Sweden, their army amounts to not 9,000 but 13,000 men (2,000 Danish and 2,000 Swedish), and they start laying siege to the city, while fortifying their positions. Supply levels in the city are estimated to be low after the previous siege, but Tilly's 6,000 men don't attempt to sally due to their inferiority in numbers. On the other hand, the Protestant Union forces are unable to assault due to their too small advantage in numbers. The siege soon begins to wear down the Catholic League forces, with the constant threat of assault or the locals opening the gates, forcing them to split up in smaller groups inside the city, not knowing which locals may have arms at their disposal hidden in the city, ready to attack one of the isolated groups inside. Rations being cut low, and growing unrest among the locals who are also getting their rations reduced, makes the situation worse for each day. Have the messengers sent to the Emperor been killed on their way home? Just when it would seem it couldn't get worse, the Protestants launch a fierce assault against a weakened section of the defenses. The defensive cannons inflict huge casualties, and so do the initial line of musketeers, but the assault is powerfully coordinated and Tilly's forces are too scattered to be able to respond quickly enough. Not until after the first defense line is broken is he capable of concentrating the troops to mount a powerful response. The battle is bloody on both sides, resulting in losses of over 500 Catholic League forces and bringing morale close to surrender, while only 600 of the Protestant forces are killed. Despite this, the Protestant forces decide to abort the assault and mount another one after regrouping, taking advantage of even more breeches that are about to be opened. When it seems the end has come, the Protestant forces suddenly abandon their positions outside the city and disappear north. The explanation arrives shortly afterwards - 15,000 Imperial troops have been sent to the rescue. Tilly is relieved, but can't help but notice that 3,000 of the troops are levies. Is the Emperor really in such shortage of troops that he has needed to muster levies with little experience to be able to get the numbers needed? With a total of a little over 20,000 troops, Tilly quickly strenghtens his position in Berlin, leaving a garrison of 2,000 men to repair the defenses, and marches on towards the town Brandenburg, which is laid under siege.

Meanwhile, Dutch and French armies enter territories of the Holy Roman Empire. The Dutch have quickly garrisoned the newly acquired Southern Netherlands, and quickly proceed to Liége, which has been abandoned by Spanish troops but due to confusion ended up neither under French or Dutch rule in the previous treaties. The Dutch quickly prepare a siege of the city, garrisoned by a small number of Imperial forces. Despite the strong defenses, it is taken already by June after heavy artillery bombardment and a well-coordinated assault with only 500 losses. The Dutch army then continues to Cologne with about 80% of their army, with the rest used for garrisoning and covering supplies.

The French attack in two groups. The southern group moves along the Danube in the direction of Ulm through Baden-Würtemberg. The cities are given the option of surrender or total destruction, resulting in some towns being quickly captured, but also in several cities and towns being ruthlessly plundered and burned to the ground. Many of the troops also disobey their direct orders of not plundering the peacefully surrendered regions, which are also damaged heavily by French foraging of supplies. The Free Imperial city of Rottweil is captured after a few months of siege, and heavily plundered and damaged. Spaichingen is also besieged by part of the force, while the others continue to Sigmaringen and Scheer which are targets of further advance in the direction of Ulm. The northern force advances on Trier, which is left under siege by 10,000 men. The city is offered to surrender if it pays a sum corresponding to the upkeep of 30,000 mercenaries for 1 year. The remainder of the French force continues to Cologne, joining the Dutch siege of the city. The French also negotiate terms with the Palatinate for military cooperation against Wallenstein. Wallenstein, upon noticing the routes of the French armies, immediately resumes his offensive activities and launches several raids on the supply lines of the French southern army, but stays way out of reach with his main force. The French siege army outside Spaichingen is dangerously exposed but not attacked during summer, however there are plenty of skirmishes between French and Imperial cavalry patrols, most of which end in victory for Wallenstein. French losses in total lie below 3,000 including desertion and losses due to military operations, but the supply lines are threatened and dangerously long for the easternmost French troops in the southern army, well exposed to Wallenstein's raids. The French northern army however has shorter supply lines and can acquire supplies from the Dutch army and Dutch merchants.

At the same time, Spanish forces launch an attack on Genoa. 11 warships and several merchants from the Spanish fleet support the operation, led by 2 tercios and Irish naval infantry. The operation is initially well coordinated and achieves an important element of surprise, even though the Genoese have been forewarned by the political foreplay and have a high state of readiness. Expecting an attack by land, judging from the Spanish troop movements there, they are overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of the Spanish fleet. The battle begins with the Spanish intercepting and sinking a Genoese ship out at sea in order to prevent it from returning home and forewarning the others. The operation then lands 1 tercio on the shores shortly outside Genoa while the fleet continues to the port of the city. Once at the port, a series of quick boarding actions allow the Spanish forces to take over 5 of the ships. 2 Genoese ships that open fire are quickly bombarded and sunk, while the remainder are prevented from manouvering and can only fire sporadic salvoes, only to later be boarded by more Spanish forces, however the last few boardings are met by heavy resistance with high losses for the Spanish forces. Genoese shore battery fire also damages some of the captured as well as Spanish ships. Not until after an important delay of several hours are the naval infantry forces ready for insertion in the port, but the Genoese have spotted them and are guarding the port too heavily. The city instead has to be taken by regular siege, after a few weeks of bombardment from both land and sea. The battle ends with 300 Spanish tercio losses and 200 losses for the naval infantry. 3 Genoese ships are sunk and 8 are captured, but 4 of them are heavily damaged and another 1 lightly damaged. Of the Spanish fleet ships, 1 is lightly damaged and 1 heavily damaged.

In Portugal, the Spanish have quelled the revolt, but raids and guerilla warfare continues. Around 100 Spanish forces are lost during the summer but a Spanish cavalry based force manages to destroy several smaller Portuguese guerilla raiding parties. A mobile tercio is stationed to respond to larger-scale attacks, but the rebels soon begin to attack in larger groups, too small and swift for the tercio but too large for the Spanish cavalry force. Spinola, who is in command of the troops here, responds by splitting the tercio and redeploying it into several smaller forces. Lisboa and Porto are relatively calm, and some 1,000 men are withdrawn from the garrisons to strengthen the more mobile forces. Seeing as the Spanish reforms weaken the Spanish nobility and strengthen the merchant class, the Portuguese resistance should be decreasing, but the Spanish Catholicism as well as their attacks on Genoa and the historical traditional hostility with England, are still reason for many Portuguese to take up arms for a while longer, it seems. This year, Spain also continues their many reforms, including the founding of a Spanish Imperial bank, the creation of factories for mass-production of Spanish army uniforms, and production of modern weaponry and training of troops.

In Transylvania, the Ottomans and Gábor Béthlen continue their campaign to the north. Béthlen is temporarily fairly inactive while forming a local Transylvanian army to continue his campaigns, but Báthory is in return heavily pressured and unable to field an army capable of defeating the army of Béthlen that is under construction. 20,000 troops, many recruited from Hungary, are expected to be ready by autumn, ready to campaign into northern Transylvania and defeat Báthory.

In Russia, Poland and Muscovy have decided to determine by a vote who should take over the position as Tsar. Both Spain and France send troops to supervise that the vote is carried out in a just way and maintain order, but the vote quickly turns dirty. With only the boyars allowed to vote, it is already beforehand met by sceptisicm and unrest among the other groups in Muscovy. The sudden death of Vorotynsky, one of the boyars who led the plotting against Vasili, immediately arises suspicion among the boyars, followed by accusation that Vasili was responsible for murdering the boyar. The Nizniy Novgorod boyars abandon their support for Vasili after his sudden decision to support the vote and abandon his promises to give them land from the illoyal boyars, but they refuse to vote for Sigismund either. As the vote ends in victory for the Polish heir, the unrest breaks out into full hostility. Due to the unclear conditions of the vote, which gives little information on whether it's the city of Muscovy or the entire faction that is to be ruled by the winner of the vote, there are immediately disputes in which neither the French nor Spanish neutral forces can intervene with certainty. The meeting ends without open hostilities due to the many attending troops, but the victory of the Polish heir is far from decisive from a political point of view. There are immediately protests in Nizniy Novgorod, with a refusal to let any men loyal to the Polish heir enter. The protests grow into a full-scale revolt, which denies the Polish heir any control over the area. Novgorod and Tver do not declare alliance to the revolt, but instead declare neutrality and independence of control of the Polish heir. The Polish heir is installed as ruler over the city of Muscovy, but with claims of the rest. Vasili is made a boyar, but his possessions in Nizniy Novgorod will not be respected by the rebels if he doesn't declare allegiance to them.

The Pope announces that both the Holy Roman Emperor, France and Spain are now paying the St Peter's Basilica tax. In celebration of this, ceremonies are held in Rome. A papal bull also gives France and Spain different parts of Africa as a protectorate. Congo, the gold coast and Cape of Good Hope as well as northern Madagascar and several East African Islands are French, while most of the remainder is made Spanish. This ignores Danish and Dutch colonies in Africa. French claims are also made to the Suez, even though it's currently in Ottoman hands.

The Netherlands announce that they will carry out projects to again build up Antwerp into the strong trade city it once was. French standing army reforms are officially completed. Swedish army reforms are officially completed. Sweden ends food imports from Poland and import the majority of their food from Denmark from now on. France boycotts Danish food imports, not yet known whether it's temporary or not. The boycott began after the Danish and French temporarily went hostile in negotiations which were resolved shortly after the boycott began. In response, Denmark raised the Sound Straits toll for all food exports from Poland going to France, resulting in a raised food price for all food bought by France. Some compensation was achieved by French food imports from their colonies, but not much.


BRANDENBURG

You had 13,000 troops before summer. You now have 12,500 troops, but the Danish forces have discussed sending more support than their current 2,000 men. An expensive reform previously launched has also granted you access to 2,000 homegrown troops and some 5,000 levies that you could call in. 2,000 mercenaries are also returning from Bohemia, now that the rebels there have been defeated. This gives you a total of 16,500 troops + 5,000 levies that could be called in.

1. distributing troops for garrisons. Some cities worth garrisoning are: Potsdam, town of Brandenburg, Jülich fortress, Berlin (if it could be recaptured), and your major cities in your Polish Duchy of Prussia. Currently you have 500 men in the town of Brandenburg that is under siege, none in Berlin which has been lost, 700 men in Potsdam, only 50 men in fortress Jülich, with 2,000 men in Prussia. Most of the remainder are in the countryside in your main army, which is led by yourself.

2. military aid from abroad. It seems like Tilly will be a lot more difficult to defeat than it previously seemed. However you have support from most of the Protestant north - they will allow you military access, allow you to retreat through their regions etc, so you have much land to fall back on even if it seems Tilly will be able to conquer much of your homelands. Unfortunately however the Protestant North can't give much more support than they have already given, so trying to negotiate more Danish, Dutch or Swedish support, or French support, would probably be necessary if a victory is to be achieved quickly enough to not damage your homelands severely in the long run. You could have diplomatic discussions (by PM) with Denmark, France, Netherlands, Sweden for this.

3. military operations with the main army
a. stay far out of action and take no risks at all. As shown by previous battles, Tilly is a skilled general and capable of forcing his opponents to battle and preventing them from escaping. Hopefully in the meantime the defenders of Brandenburg town and Potsdam will wear him down, and the French and Dutch attacks will divert him and force him to retreat, or in the meantime you will be able to gain support from abroad
b. wait for him to split up, then take a risk and attack any isolated force if possible, otherwise stay far out of action. This means medium risks for your main army, or higher risk in case Tilly pursues aggressively
c. raid Tilly's supply lines to hopefully give him higher losses during the winter. This means a risk of losing some cavalry, but the rest of the forces would stay far out of action and any risk unless Tilly pursues aggressively
d. do something else, specify what


ENGLAND

1. intervene in any way in any of the existing wars/conflicts? There's the situation in the HRE, and the Spanish attack on Genoa, as well as the situation in Russia

2. retaking most of southwest Ireland. Now it has been diplomatically resolved, but military operations are required to carry it out in practise. How many men will be sent and where will they strike first? Limerick and Cork are their major cities. The countryside west of Cork is a likely position from which the rebels would launch guerilla warfare and raids after losing these cities. The first Spanish base is in Cork and the other is at the coast at the eastern border of the territory of the rebels.
a. present the rebels with an offer to peacefully hand over everything but Cork. Say that Cork will remain independent and will be respected, but that the rest must be handed over in response to their crime. If they refuse to accept, do as threatened
b. formally declare war on them, and take everything but Cork. Lastly besiege Cork and offer them peace on the condition that they give up everything except Cork
c. state that they will have to hand over everything but Cork. If they refuse, conquer everything including Cork, then hand over Cork to them afterwards on the condition that they make peace. Preferably inform Spain that the conquest of Cork is only a temporary thing
d. or something else, specify what

3. possible reforms for your land army
a. carry out a reform for making the colonial governors responsbile for training their own troops, and hire mercenaries to fill the need if locals can't, with the ultimate goal of making the colonies completely self-supporting in terms of soldiers (this would initially probably lower the quality of colonial forces, but in the long run be much more practical and mean less transporting missions for troops back and forth), with only limited percentages of colonial forces being professionals from the main army. In the meantime, the army at home would be 17,000 men large, consisting of 14,000 local forces, 2,000 mercenaries and 1,000 higher quality Guards.
b. keep it as it is
c. make a cost efficiency reform to be able to extend home forces to 20,000 men and colonial forces to 7,000 men, while still having a quite large positive income each year
d. make a cost efficiency reform to be able to extend home forces to 30,000 men, by having a standing army of only 14,000 men and 16,000 conscripted levies
d. pass a reform for giving 2,000 of your forces flintlock muskets bought from abroad from France, Spain, HRE or other countries that have introduced these weapons. Make sure to use them in military operations as soon as possible to evaluate their performance to be able to later reform the entire army (the home forces in particular) with them


FRANCE

1. Genoa. You sent messages to communicate cooperation with Genoa shortly before the Spanish attack. The Genoese responded in a hastily written letter only a few weeks before the Spanish attack that they were interested in your suggested cooperation, but before you could respond the Spanish had invaded Genoa.
a. burn the letter and end attempts to contact Genoa
b. pressure Spain to leave Genoa on the threat of war
c. officially denounce the Spanish attack but do nothing
d. communicate as secretly as possible with Genoese locals and possible rebels to explain that you're sad about the Spanish attack, and that you will support them against Spain the best you can

2. war with the HRE, southern army
a. retreat the forward elements to Spaichingen where it will meet the siege force, in order to prevent splitting up and exposure to Wallenstein's possible attacks. Complete the siege and then march on east as soon as possible to be able to force Wallenstein and other enemies to interfere, thus forcing them to an engagement where you can defeat them and get your back clear
b. move the forward elements of the army west of Spaichingen to better secure the supply lines, while concentrating on completing the siege of the city. After that, don't march any further to avoid exposed supply lines over the winter
c. garrison the already conquered cities and retreat the main army to Franche-Comte or Luxembourg over the winter
d. something else, specify what

3. war with the HRE, northern army. There are some breeches in the defenses of Trier (but the fortifications are still very strong), and supplies in the city are expected to last for another year.
a. let the Dutch complete the siege of Cologne, and send most of your army to Trier and complete the siege of the city. Attempt an assault before winter, if successful garrison the city, otherwise continue the siege
b. as a, but if assault not successful, retreat home during the winter
c. besiege another city, specify which
d. do something else, specify what

4. desertion and disobedience. How punish captured deserters? How punish those who are pillaging in the wrong areas? Killing all guilty, disbanding, killing a few of the guilty, forcing them to do the most difficult operations, or having them sent to prison at home or something else?

5. the papal bull giving you Suez as a protectorate could hurt your relations with the Ottomans if you don't contact them with appropriate explanations. It would also be provocative against England. Furthermore, the Danish and Dutch colonies in Africa aren't respected by the bull. As such, the bull will either lose importantance and be ignored, or be followed but at the cost of severely damaged relations with many countries. If nobody complains, France can probably go on without any discussions, but complaints are likely to come and it's perhaps better to have discussions before they come

6. what is the French opinion of the correctness of the Tsar vote? Make an official statement

7. will France consider the Dutch taking over of Liége to be in accordance with all treaties, or a declaration of war from their part?

8. the votes in Belgium have been won by the Netherlands because the French minorities aren't concentrated to specific cities but more of minorities in each individual region. What further demands should France make to make sure the minorities are treated well?

9. food situation and Denmark. The economy is hurt by the increased food price, and your programs for becoming self-supporting are not yet completed.
a. resume buying of food from Denmark immediately
b. declare war on Denmark
c. in official statements try to arouse hatred towards Denmark among both Polish, French, Swedish, German and other people in response to the Sound Straits toll actions
d. continue the boycott for another half year, then start buying again
e. do something else, specify what


HRE and AUSTRIA

You have Tilly's force in Brandenburg, Wallenstein's force in the Palatinate, 5,000 men in Bohemia, and 5,000 men in Austria and Hungary for garrisoning. You also have 15,000 more levies that you called in and that will be available by next spring. Wallenstein has already received the reinforcement levies you requested

1. Tilly
a. capture Brandenburg and then besiege Potsdam. By taking these two cities Brandenburg will have lost many of their major possessions
b. quickly capture the town of Brandenburg, but after that retreat south and abandon operations here. Tilly can then train more Catholic League troops to replace the losses. It would also raise the currently low morale of the troops, and allow the forces to respond to the French and Dutch attacks from abroad. Furthermore, many of the Catholic League representatives want the Catholic League forces to primarily defend against the French expansion that threatens to reach Bavaria in a matter of a year or two, and worry about Brandenburg as a secondary concern
c. send Tilly to relieve Trier
d. send Tilly to relieve Cologne
e. send Tilly to join Wallenstein and fight the French Northern army. This army can't advance far before it runs into Protestant territories, and as such isn't as much of a threat to your important heartlands, but if destroyed before joining the Southern army it would demoralize both the Dutch and the remaining French
f. send Tilly to join Wallenstein and fight the French Southern army. This is perhaps the force that would be easiest to isolate, engage and destroy early on before the French armies join

2. Wallenstein
a. let him continue his raids but keep his army out of battle. Try to see if he can help you form a larger army based on his successful and cost efficient recruitment pattern
b. order him to, despite the high risk, attack the French at Spaichingen now that they are isolated and there are only 10,000 men there. Wallenstein have fewer men at the moment, but perhaps with the element of surprise he will be lucky and defeat the French
c. as b, but be careful and do not rush it. Try to make sure that the French are continuing advancing to the east and that the Spaichingen siege force will remain isolated before attacking. In the meantime, also send at least 3,000-5,000 troops to reinforce Wallenstein
d. just order him to fight defensively and concentrate on holding forts and wearing down the French by spying, sabotage and raids on their supply lines. The French are negotiating to help the Palatinate and if they do, it's necessary to have prepared good defenses because the French and the Palatinate would be quite strong if cooperating

3. diplomacy - try to come on better terms with some of your neighbors in order to be able to defeat all that are currently threating you. Choose zero or more:
a. try bribes and offers of money and/or favorable separate peace with one or more of the threatening opponents
b. try to take advantage of the threats between France and the Netherlands, and a favorable peace offer, to make the Netherlands exit the war
c. retreat from the Protestant North to remove much of the reason for Denmark to intervene more actively
d. call for assistance from Spain

4. Transylvania
a. send support of over 10,000 men to Báthory. This would enable him to hold out against Béthlen. You know that Báthory is loyal, but Béthlen could be interested in threatening your homelands.
b. do nothing until Báthory is dead, then establish friendly relations with the new ruler Béthlen
c. prepare an army to defend against Béthlen should he attack. This however requires mustering of new forces, or calling back forces from one of your many fronts
d. do nothing yet

5. Bohemia is currently calmer, meaning 3,000 men as garrison is probably enough to maintain internal order. But there are new outer threats - Transylvania and many Hungarians. If the Hungarians join Béthlen, and Béthlen tries to intervene in Hungary, you will need to form an army of at least 15,000 troops here. Your currently weakly defended Austria and Hungary are tempting targets that could make otherwise neutral Transylvanians and Ottomans become hostile. With the Genoese being conquered by Spain, and Spanish threats towards other Italian city states, the Italian city states no longer have resources to pull off a crusade, so the Pope is less likely to call for one, but he will support you in the other ways he promised to


NETHERLANDS

1. war with the HRE. Cologne defenses have been lightly breeched but an assault now would be costly. Supplies will be enough for another 2 years, but an assault probably easy within 1 year from now. Your forces have shown quite good discipline so far, without desertion or unnecessary pillaging. Morale is also quite high, and your Horse Guard formations are popular and have kept the morale and spirit among the other troops high.

2. France and Liége. Your taking of Liége might be challenged by France, seeing as the treaties were unclear in that aspect and it could be considered a transgression from your part. Be prepared for negotiations initiated by France, or initiate own negotiations if you feel it's necessary.

3. votes in Belgium. All votes seem to have turned out in your favor, because the French minorities were ... minorities. But this will perhaps not keep France happy, if their goal was to get guarantees for the just treatement of French minorities in the region. Depending on how relations with France due to other things turn out, the vote results could: a. be used for propaganda, b. together with further guarantees be seen as proof that you're doing what you can for these minorities, c. or something else

4. Papal bull (see French option 5) - negotiate with France here or the bull might be damaging to your colonial activities

5. support to Brandenburg? You might wish to communicate by PM to Brandenburg to increase or withdraw your amount of mercenary support, and for coordinating further operations after you've taken Cologne


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. the raids from the Crimean tatars?
a. prepare for a war to extend your influence here. Controlling the Crimea and forming it into a strong naval base could be useful. That the tatars are giving you a casus belli is a good thing
b. try to improve defenses a bit, but carry out no offensive operations. Instead decrease the size of the called in army again in order to not hurt your economy

2. the papal bull (see France option 5) could be dangerous. Have negotiations with France or others involved. Both Spain and England have interests in the Suez, as have the Ottomans. Does this whole thing mean France will use the bull to take control over the Suez from the Ottomans? Their construction of their fortified trading posts could imply this

3. Transylvania?
a. support Béthlen militarily for some more time. This will keep him loyal and happy but also make him more powerful in that he defeats Báthory with fewer losses and faster
b. stop supporting Béthlen militarily. This will give him higher losses and a slower victory, but his weakening will prevent him from efficiently breaking out of Ottoman control
c. as a, but also make sure he goes to war with the Habsburgs. This will hurt both the Habsburgs and Béthlen a lot, and the Ottomans can step in when both are weak. If this works, the Ottomans will both appear as Béthlen's supporters and as saviours when they intervene in the HRE affairs

4. your deals with factions abroad for acquiring their ship types have so far not given you much. Negotiate again with all the involved parts and make sure you acquire the ships you were promised. Report to me how many of their ships (not galleys, that is) you acquired.


POLAND

1. Vasili
a. try to make Vasili join your side, by offering him land as a noble in Muscovy or Poland. This will perhaps make him a happy follower of the Polish heir, in defeating the Russian revolts
b. try to make Vasili join your side by pointing out that he must defeat the Russian rebels in order to keep his land holdings as a boyar in the Nizniy Novgorod area. This wouldn't make him a happy follower of you, and perhaps make him likely to prefer joining the rebels as that would also allow him to keep some of his land. But perhaps it'll be enough to make him help you
c. give him new land in Poland, Muscovy or elsewhere, but do not force him to assist you in any way, only make sure he promises not to assist the rebels
d. give him new land next to the Swedish border as a way of making his interests conflict with Sweden
e. break the promise made to him and just imprison him, kill him, or making him a monk (specify which), declaring him a criminal

2. what if Vasili joins the rebels?
a. announce him as illegal ruler and make outside nations support your claims
b. try to assassinate him before he can leave
c. try to imprison him or kill him or make him a monk (specify which)

3. the rebels. An estimated 17,000 men have already formed up in Nizniy Novgorod - much of the previous army controlled by Vasili
a. try to deal with the Nizniy Novgorod rebels fast so they don't spread the revolt. Hopefully the current messy state of things will mean they're still quite weak
b. try to strike Tver, Novgorod and Pskov quickly before they declare allegiance to the Nizniy Novgorod revolt
c. do nothing except defend Muscovy

4. the Polish heir being admitted as ruler of Muscovy. Try to make as many other leaders as possible admit him as rightful ruler of Muscovy in order to strengthen your arguments and authority in the area

5. the Pope's Peter's Church tax is now payed by all other Catholic countries except Poland
a. start paying it
b. don't pay it, try to make the Pope understand that you're at war and promise to start paying it once that has been resolved
c. just skip paying it


RUSSIA

1. your lands as a boyar are mostly located in Nizniy Novgorod, which is now subject to a revolt against the Polish heir. You lost much of your influence in Nizniy Novgorod by accepting the vote idea, but perhaps there's still a chance to join the rebels. If the rebels are defeated you will probably get back your lands, but it's not certain.
a. declare allegiance to the Polish heir, on the condition that you're as a boyar given new lands in Muscovy or Poland. This will if successful give you the amount of land you had as a boyar before
b. join the Polish heir without any conditions. Help him defeat the rebels and try to reclaim your boyar holdings in the Nizniy Novgorod area.
c. declare the vote invalid and try to join the rebels. Try to see what Spain and France say regarding the correctness of the vote
d. ask for asylum abroad (by PM) to protect you from the Polish king and heir, and try to flee

2. depending on what you choose above, what else do you wish to do? Trade? Military operations? Diplomatic discussions? Speech to the side you join (for example, what do you wish to say to the rebels if you join them, regarding why you accepted the vote treaty)? Etc.


SPAIN

1. what is the Spanish opinion of the correctness of the Tsar vote? Make an official statement

2. your "marines" have suggested that some of your old galleys could be rebuilt, fitted with one or two cannons, and used as quick landing vehicles for faster insertions from sea. Do you wish to try constructing a prototype extra small cannon and rebuild one or two galleys to try it out?

3. diplomatic relations with France. France have apparently been negotiating with Genoa for cooperation before you attacked. Only now did you find out the extent of these negotiations - it's likely that the conquest will have worsened relations with France. Relations with France could be hurt further by how the French have claimed Suez in the Papal "African protectorate" Bull

4. diplomatic relations with England, Netherlands and Denmark. By admitting the bull you will have papal established claims to the parts of Africa suggested by the bull, but in return this will conflict with Dutch, Danish and English colonies in the area. Mainly the French regions in the bull are already to a large extent colonized by both Dutch and Danish. By claiming the bull to be just, you will risk hostility with these nations and probably also England, but if you denounce it you will worsen relations with France. Being neutral is however a difficult balancing act... None of the options are easy, but you probably have to choose one

5. your debts are nearly gone, but the repaying speed didn't increase as expected, due to your new reforms. However, the repaying speed is still quite high so it'll not delay the repaying that much. You can expect to be free of debts in 2 years at the most


SWEDEN

1. Denmark - the Danish sound straits toll has been raised for Polish food transports to France, resulting in a weakened French economy but also in weakened Polish income for as long as it remains. Do you wish to use this as a casus belli for attacking Denmark, and attack Denmark now, or do you prefer this to remain so Poland can be weakened and ripe for an attack later?

2. intervention in the HRE. You have sent 2,000 mercs to Brandenburg. Do you wish to send more? If so, how many and to where? There are several fronts to support - Brandenburg's defensive front, the Dutch-French Cologne front, the French Trier operation and the French Ulm operation.

3. your land army reforms are pretty much completed. The construction of the land fort to the west is also progressing well. Your naval reforms are progressing slowly, but are not behind schedule. Your economy has been improved by weapons trade with Brandenburg and others, and you have a healthy surplus. Some possible projects to invest in (choose zero or more):
a. a strong naval base in Kalmar
b. encouraging settlement and forming of a strong city in connection to the fort you're building inland near Elfsborg fortress
c. foundation of another university

4. the messy situation in Russia will certainly hurt your trade there for as long as it remains, by some 30% perhaps. Perhaps you wish to consider to intervene in one way or another?
a. diplomatical intervention - declare the vote incorrect and declare Vasili the rightful Tsar
b. military intervention - attack Poland again
c. military intervention - attack Novgorod, currently controlled by nobody and declared as almost independent. Attacking Novgorod could however be seen as an excuse for the rebels, Vasili or the Polish heir to attack you at a later stage


VENICE

1. Spain and France - both seem to be eager to expand their influence in northern Italy. This could threaten the independence of Venice
a. try to form an alliance/pact among the northern Italian states to resist these threats. The Italian city states with their internal rivarly aren't known for such cooperation, but perhaps a loose military defense pact would work
b. try to improve relations with France, to gain protectorate status from them (negotiate with France by PM). Make sure to get a favorable treaty which recognizes the independence of Venice as much as possible, but at the same time means France signs a treaty to protect Venice, which gives them a cause (and preferably also a duty) for attacking Spain is Spain attacks Venice. Offering exclusive trade benefits to France could aid the negotiations
c. as b, but form the treaty with Spain against France instead
d. try to get the support of papal statements as a means of protection
e. do nothing yet

2. intervention in any existing conflicts. Do you wish to send aid to anyone in the ongoing conflicts? Assisting the HRE could improve relations with the pope, but would hurt relations with France

3. your shipyards are currently producing some of the best ships available. You have a contract for selling warships to France. Do you wish to abort it, continue it or extend it? It included selling a total of 5 ships to them, one each year, for 5 years. A few have already been delivered. Depending on your diplomatic strategy elsewhere this could be important. If you choose to cooperate with France you might however still choose to abort the treaty due to the outer threats situation, in which case an explanation to France might be necessary

4. the Ottomans. They have recently opened trade with Christian nations again. The Suez is being formed into an important trading point for France and Spain, among others. A few Dutch and English merchants have found their way here, but they're less active here. If the Ottomans are choosing a more open attitude to them, it means Venice has a chance of reestablishing their trade empire strength in the Mediterranean, possibly becoming very dangerous competitors to both France, Spain and Portugal. This will have two consequences - improved economy, and many new enemies. If the trade is built out, you must probably negotiate a favorable trade deal or protectorate status with either of France or Spain temporarily until your improved income can allow improvements for your army. Negotiate by PM with the Ottomans regarding reestablishing Venetian trading posts in Constantinople/Istanbul and the new interesting Suez region.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Ignoramus, once you've chosen your faction I'll add options for that faction above. I just posted this chapter right away because it had been delayed so much up till now.