The War of The Spanish Succession/Great Northern War

[Lord Winter]

Anouncement of the Most Serene Republic of Venice

We must express worry at the heavy tax levied by both Kings of France and Spain have laid on the exit to the Mediterranean. We strongly urge the lifting of these taxes in the interest of world trade.

[Don Corleone]

I do not appreciate such blatent lies being spread about my person. Are we not all brothers and sisters in Christ? As Boleslaus II proved in the 11th Century, not even the Church's agents were safe from the power of the Polish throne. Besides, the last I checked, Augustus, not Innocent, bishop of Rome, was King of Poland.

The offer of the Swedish monarchy to aid in any rebellious activity in Saxony is, in my view, an outright proclamation of aggression against our peaceful nation.

No, we are not all brothers and sisters in Christ. You do not recognize us as such. We do not condone or accept all the trappings of power and prestige the Catholic bishops heap upon themselves, but we seek no war with them. The pope, on the other hand, has declared us Christian reformists to be deviants and heretics and has instituted numerous wars and other acts of aggression in an effort to force us to again bow before his throne.

As true followers of Christ, it is our duty to see to it that those who have had the grace of God bestowed upon them and have left the false church are allowed to remain in a state of grace. Forcing your Christian citizenry to convert back to the quasi-pagan trappings of Rome will damn you to hell, Augustus. We will do all we can to support your people and see to it that should they choose to defend their Christian faith, they are able to. We do not seek to encourage rebellion against a legitimate political authority, we seek to defend the faith of our Christian brothers in Saxony and protect their immortal souls.

[Don Corleone]

To Charles XII of Sweden:

I, Leopold I, has had the emissaries of Poland/Saxony came to my Capital requesting a alliance, which I accpected. I Meet Augustus not to long Ago personally, and I felt uneasy of what he told me. From What I understand, you threated him into not provoking a war. Also, I found out now that you are spreading progranda into Saxony from what I understand, in order for them to rebel against Augustus!

If you deice to Military launch any sort of Action against Sweden, we will have no choice to laugh a offensive to Sweden itself, and I will personally bring you head back to Austria! Our Forces have been alerted. Be careful Charles!

Leopold I of Austria

Leopold, you are a wise man and a strong man. Therefore, I will speak to you as such. I learned that Augustus was forming an alliance that he claimed was strictly defensive in nature. I told him that if all he wanted was defense, he and I would have no problems, but I did warn him not to tread upon Swedish soil. We will not sit back and allow him to attack our lands and cower in our homes.

I am not encouraging any political activity in Saxony. In the interests of their immortal soul, I am encouraging those good Christian men to hold true to their Reformist faith and continue in the practice of their faith as taught by Martin Luther. If Augustus respects the faith of his followers and makes no move to force their conversions to Catholicism, then he will have no issue.

But if Augustus thinks we will stand idly by while our Protestant brothers are deprived of their rights and forced to endure the yoke of Rome, he is gravely mistaken. We will do all we can to defend the immortal souls of our brothers.

As for your threat against Sweden, so noted. When you state military action against Sweden, I assume you mean Saxony. And as you do not specify offensive action, I can only take your words to mean that if we attempt to defend ourselves from aggression at the hands of Saxony, you will join them in their violence. So be it. We are prepared for the thieves to work together. Know this, you will not find us an easy victim, nor a willing one. You also have much to lose and we urge you to exhibit some of your famous wisdom and do not march in step with this brigand, Augustus. Sweden has no ambitious designs for offensive action against anyone. Your threat to attack us for defending ourselves will be viewed as offensive action by all civilized third parties.

As for taking my head to Vienna, Leopold, come and get it.... if you're man enough.

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

Just to let you know DoH, I have returned from my holiday. If you wish you can start sending me intructions and options. Thankyou for your patience.

[Don Corleone]

You haven't missed much, Omanes. The first game turn hasn't started. Just some propaganda and posturing.

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

Thanks for that! I was a little confused since people were sending me a large number of treaties, offers and demands - I've never played an interactive history before. Thanks again.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

Leopold, you are a wise man and a strong man. Therefore, I will speak to you as such. I learned that Augustus was forming an alliance that he claimed was strictly defensive in nature. I told him that if all he wanted was defense, he and I would have no problems, but I did warn him not to tread upon Swedish soil. We will not sit back and allow him to attack our lands and cower in our homes.

I am not encouraging any political activity in Saxony. In the interests of their immortal soul, I am encouraging those good Christian men to hold true to their Reformist faith and continue in the practice of their faith as taught by Martin Luther. If Augustus respects the faith of his followers and makes no move to force their conversions to Catholicism, then he will have no issue.

But if Augustus thinks we will stand idly by while our Protestant brothers are deprived of their rights and forced to endure the yoke of Rome, he is gravely mistaken. We will do all we can to defend the immortal souls of our brothers.

As for your threat against Sweden, so noted. When you state military action against Sweden, I assume you mean Saxony. And as you do not specify offensive action, I can only take your words to mean that if we attempt to defend ourselves from aggression at the hands of Saxony, you will join them in their violence. So be it. We are prepared for the thieves to work together. Know this, you will not find us an easy victim, nor a willing one. You also have much to lose and we urge you to exhibit some of your famous wisdom and do not march in step with this brigand, Augustus. Sweden has no ambitious designs for offensive action against anyone. Your threat to attack us for defending ourselves will be viewed as offensive action by all civilized third parties.

As for taking my head to Vienna, Leopold, come and get it.... if you're man enough.

King Charles,


you are a brave man for conforting both Me And Augustus. I am not scared of your threats, and you should be scared of mine though. Because I have doubts you will back them up, though I will back mine up!


When I stated a offensive, yes, I meant Saxony, (my mistake,sorry Don). But does not Matter! If you dare so launch any sort of offensive, or even move your army to "Defend" your borders, We will have no choice to attack Sweden. Your threating actions in my opinoin, should be viewed as a offensive action by all nations. Not Ours. Our Threats are for in Defense.

That is all I have to say. I will aderess you later.




Leopold I Of Austria

[Don Corleone]

King Charles,


you are a brave man for conforting both Me And Augustus. I am not scared of your threats, and you should be scared of mine though. Because I have doubts you will back them up, though I will back mine up!


When I stated a offensive, yes, I meant Saxony, (my mistake,sorry Don). But does not Matter! If you dare so launch any sort of offensive, or even move your army to "Defend" your borders, We will have no choice to attack Sweden. Your threating actions in my opinoin, should be viewed as a offensive action by all nations. Not Ours. Our Threats are for in Defense.

That is all I have to say. I will aderess you later.

Leopold I Of Austria

So you are essentially stating that in looking to our defenses, you consider us to be posturing and will invade us, as a strictly defensive act. Sweden hears your statements and accepts your declaration of intent to invade us, no matter what the circumstances. We stand ready.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

We have No Choice Charles, But to Declare War. Like you said, I am a Wise and strong fellow, and won't go down easily. I am Wise, and allied myself with Poland/Saxony and Russia. They, Augutugs and Peter the Great both accpeted my offer to invade. Our forces with moblizie shortly



Off Topic:

how are we extacly suppose to do battles again. Can you clear it up before we go head to head :-):?

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

Also, I hear my Non Austrian armies have 90,000-120,000 thousand, and my dutchies have 5,000 each. so I have around that amount?

[Don Corleone]

We have No Choice Charles, But to Declare War. Like you said, I am a Wise and strong fellow, and won't go down easily. I am Wise, and allied myself with Poland/Saxony and Russia. They, Augutugs and Peter the Great both accpeted my offer to invade. Our forces with moblizie shortly



Off Topic:

how are we extacly suppose to do battles again. Can you clear it up before we go head to head :-):?

On what grounds? You've given no reaons to anybody for declaring war on us. You claim you have no choice but to declar war, but what has Sweden done to require you to declare war? Or is it naked aggression?

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

You pressued us to declare War. If We did not, you would greatfully would Charles!

[Don Corleone]

You pressued us to declare War. If We did not, you would greatfully would Charles!

Had I wanted to declare war on you, my friend, I would have. Sweden is many things, but indecisive is not one of them. No shots have been fired yet. Let us both agree unfortunate words have been exchanged and let us discuss the situation like rational men. Sweden has no designs on Austrian territory, nor Saxon or Russian territory for that matter. Sweden simply seeks to live in peace with its neighbors, defend its borders and protect the religious rights of our Christian brothers. Surely these are rational goals.

I shall dispatch a team of emissaries to Vienna at once. Should you so desire it, we may make these multi-party talks with your friends from Saxony and Russia. Sweden does not look to fight, we prefer to talk. But we are prepared for either course of action.

[SwordsMaster]

Jaysus, the first chapter hasn't come out yet, and war's already declared. Talk about intercative

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

Had I wanted to declare war on you, my friend, I would have. Sweden is many things, but indecisive is not one of them. No shots have been fired yet. Let us both agree unfortunate words have been exchanged and let us discuss the situation like rational men. Sweden has no designs on Austrian territory, nor Saxon or Russian territory for that matter. Sweden simply seeks to live in peace with its neighbors, defend its borders and protect the religious rights of our Christian brothers. Surely these are rational goals.

I shall dispatch a team of emissaries to Vienna at once. Should you so desire it, we may make these multi-party talks with your friends from Saxony and Russia. Sweden does not look to fight, we prefer to talk. But we are prepared for either course of action.

We will hear what your emisssaries have to say. Hopefully they can persude us.

[Don Corleone]

You claim that your actions have all been in response to a perceived threat by Sweden. Allow me to remove that perception. Sweden hereby vows publicly to take no offensive action against Austria or Russia. Provided Augustus respects the rights of our Christian brothers within his borders, we will take no military action against Saxony either.

That should be more than sufficient to assauge your fears. We can draft this statement into a formal peace-treaty.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

We Accpect your "peace" proposal. we will keep our eyes open though....




Leopold I

[Warluster]

So is that that? Was that the war of a Day?

Is peace being declared between you two powers? Can we, the other nations of Europe, look safely at our borders, and know we can walk freely?

[Franconicus]

I am glad to see that the storm is over. I have two proposals:

1) Let`s end the quarrel or Europe will be a field of ruins before the game starts.
2) Let us meet at Versaille at Christmas. Let us celebrate the new century. There will be finest wine and meal, all modern arts like opera, theatre, and philosophy, there will be the wonders of the garden of Versaille, there will be love and inspiration, and there will be enough space for diplomacy. Let us make this new cemtury a century of peace. Let us cement the status quo!

I want to invite especially my friends, the leaders of the German and Italian countries and the sultan of the Ottoman Empire!

[King Jan III Sobieski]

You claim that your actions have all been in response to a perceived threat by Sweden. Allow me to remove that perception. Sweden hereby vows publicly to take no offensive action against Austria or Russia. Provided Augustus respects the rights of our Christian brothers within his borders, we will take no military action against Saxony either.

That should be more than sufficient to assauge your fears. We can draft this statement into a formal peace-treaty.

So be it! Followers of Luther and Calvin need not worry about their rights while I'm alive.

[seireikhaan]

I am glad to see that the storm is over. I have two proposals:

1) Let`s end the quarrel or Europe will be a field of ruins before the game starts.
2) Let us meet at Versaille at Christmas. Let us celebrate the new century. There will be finest wine and meal, all modern arts like opera, theatre, and philosophy, there will be the wonders of the garden of Versaille, there will be love and inspiration, and there will be enough space for diplomacy. Let us make this new cemtury a century of peace. Let us cement the status quo!

I want to invite especially my friends, the leaders of the German and Italian countries and the sultan of the Ottoman Empire!

Sultan Mustafa II of the Ottoman Empire graciously accepts this invitation, and looks forward to the splendors of Versaille and French wine.

[Lord Winter]

Chapter I: The Edge of War

Diplomacy without arms is like music without instruments.
-Fredrick the Great


Tensions remain high in the north after the pact between Denmark, Saxony and Russia to attack Sweden. Each has not declared war, but rumors of future hostilities are making their way around the courts of the Baltic.

However one of members of the pact has its own problems to sort out before it can attack Sweden. Negotiations over a lasting peace with the Ottomans at the eve of the end of a two year cease fire, has at best frustrated the efforts of Russia to join the war. While the Russian fleet could probably break into the black sea and threaten Istanbul, but the more numerous Turkish army could easily overwhelm the Russians.

The Ottomans are not the last of Peter's of Russia’s problems. The previous year 3,000 of the professional core of the Russian army, the Streltsy, revolted and attempt to stop what they saw as the heretical changes of the Tsar's westernization program. Although they where crushed, they gave voice to the resent that much of the rest of Russia feels.

Meanwhile to the south, Europe finds itself once again scrambling to make sure the Spanish crown is not inherited by someone who will throw off the balance of power. The last treaty placed the crown in the hands of the Bavarian elector with Spain's Italian lands divided between Austria and France as a consolation prize. However the Elector has died and once again the throne comes into question.

In the past few weeks events have once again thrown Europe onto the brink of war. Charles II has left his entire empire to the French prince Philip, a move sure to provoke fear that Frances increasing power may be a threat to the rest of Europe.

Embargoes have also been aimed at William III until he abdicates one of his positions of duel ruler ship between the Seapowers.


So the nations of Europe stand ready to go to war. It is a time were nations can easily rise, and empires will tremble. And meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire waits in the east.


Choices:
The following will affect actions between January 1st, 1700 and March 31st, 1700

Austria:

1. The naming of Philippe as heir to the Spanish crown. You have your own claim through the archduke Charles and an relative to Louis XIV as the king of Spain could make France much stronger.
A. Announce that Austria does not recognize the will and march on France.
B. Demand that Italy is handed over to you in payment for France gaining the throne, in addition demand that France and Spain promise to never come into personal union.
C. Let it happen you have other things to deal with.
D. Other?

2. How to place your Troops? You currently have 80,000 men. Keep in mind that you need to garrison cities and boarders (orders here can be vauge, for example 25,000 men as garrisons)

3. In the event of war with France, what will the plans be?

A. Ask permission to march through Saxony or Bavaria and march on the French boarder.
B. Attack through Italy at the French friendly Duchy of Milan.
C. Other?

4. Any plans to increase the relatively poor incomes of Austria?


Bavaria:

1. Spain, Who shall you support?

A. Philippe of France’s Claim
B. Archduke Charles of Austria’s claim
C. Try to press the formers electors claim by arguing you are his heir.

2. Placing of the troops, where shall you concentrate your army? You have about 11,000 men keep in mind that you need garrisons.


Brandenburg

1. The alliance to the north and the impending war. What stance will you take?

A. Join on the side of the pact, this will give you a chance to gain Swedish Pomerania
B. Enter on Sweden's side, both Saxony and Poland are close by and territorial gains could lead to a joining of the now separated Prussian territory.
C. Maintain a stance of neutrality
D. Other?

2. A potential war in the south: As part of the HRE you owe troops to Austria in the event of war although in recent years you have been all but independent.

A. Contribute Troops but only on the condition that the Austrian Emperor declares you a separate kingdom at the end of the war.
B. Refuse citing the need to defend you territory from the war in the north.
C. Other?


Denmark:

1. When to launch the attack?

A. Immediately (January)
B. Wait until February
C. Wait until march
D. Declare War in April or beyond (next turn)

2. The plan: You have about 35,000 men, please keep in mind that you also need to leave garrisons. MAP GOES HERE

A. Attack Bremen and Verden in the west
B. Cross over to Norway and from there, march east towards Stockholm
C. As of B but march south once you have crossed into Sweden on Göteborg.
D. Other?

England:

1. Parliament has demanded that you remove all foreign advisers. What will your response be?

A. Yes, give into their demands
B. Deny them in the interest of maintaining the power of the sovereign
C. Cut a compromise by giving them a few positions of power in return for their support.
D. Other?

2. The Recent naming of Phillipe of France as heir to the Spanish Empire

A. Recognize him as King and don't make any complaints
B. Recognize Phillipe as King but insist that Austria is handed the Italian territories in payment.
C. Gather as many nations as you can and declare war immediately in order to "preserve the balance of power".
D. Make no official statement at this time.
E. Other?

3. In the event of war what shall the plans be?

A. Land an army in the Netherlands to help in their defense for the rest of the winter
B. As of A but take the offensive and march on Riems,
C. Land on the French coast and attack Caen, Brest or Rennes.
D. Other?

4. The embargoes and taxes aimed to hurt you trade, What action will you take?

A. Make an official condemnation but take no other action.
B. Return by using your navy to blockade the ports of the nations imposing these embargos. This could result in war.
C. Take no notice and hope the problem goes away.

5. Colonies, where well you focus your expansion efforts?

A. North Canada in area either unclaimed or disputed by France.
B. Africa
C. India
D. West from the thirteen colonies
E. The Islands of the Caribbean.

France

1. The naming of Phillipe as heir to the Spanish throne: it is likely that many will see this as a threat to their safety. What will do about this?

A. Support Phillipe's claim with the might of the French army.
B. Do not declare war but instead be content through supporting Phillipe's future throne with money and arms.
C. Pressure Phillipe to renounce all claims to the throne in order to maintain peace.

2. Shall you began to mobilize to war time 400,000?

3. Placing of the troops you currently have 250,000. Keep in mine you need garrisons in cities and boarder forts.

4. Plans in the event of war with Austria and the seapowers?

A. March north and attack The Netherlands while maintaining the offensive in the south
B. Seek permission to march through Bavaria and march on Prague or an other city.
C. Maintain the defensive until spring
D. Other

5. Where shall France focus it's colonization efforts?

The Netherlands:

1. The Recent naming of Phillipe of France as heir to the Spanish Empire

A. Recognize him as King and don't make any complaints
B. Recognize Phillipe as King but insist that Austria is handed the Italian territories in payment.
C. Gather as many nations as you can and declare war immediately in order to "preserve the balance of power".
D. Make no official statement at this time.
E. Other?

2. In the event of war what shall your plans be will you stay on the defensive, or attack?

3. The embargo, what should you do? You control key bases on the Cape of Good Hope and could block traffic to India.

A. Make an official condemnation but take no other action.
B. Return by using your navy to blockade the ports of the nations imposing these embargoes. This could result in war.
C. Cut off the access to India of all nations taking place in the embargoes.
D. Take no notice and hope the problem goes away.

Ottoman Empire:

1. The Janissaries have been gaining a large amount of power over the Sultan recently. How will you fix this?

A. Create your competing elite body, this will take time and may anger the Janissaries into action.
B. Gradual shift power away from the Janissaries to the nobles and other parts of the army
C. Disband them all together, this would most certainly draw their wrath.
D. Do nothing

2. Army reforms: Should you switch to the modern Flintlock musket or stay with the old matchlock?

3. The brewing tensions offer a chance to win back the land you lost in the recent war, if hostillities break out this turn will you attack? If yes then who?

4. Potential plans the case of war, where shall you place your 320,000 men. Keep in mind that you need garrisons.

5. Negations with the Russians. You need to renew the ceasefire. Will you accept Russian demands of an entry point to the black sea?(By PM)

Russia:

1. The Streltsy, the rebellious regiments have been disbanded leaving you with 18,000 Streltsy and 5,000 of the western model. While the other Streltsy have not revolted they have all expressed anger at your westernization program and their absence from Moscow.

A. Gradually disband and exile the Streltsy
B. Order them to obey orders anyway and put down any rebellions that result.
C.Keep them as garrison troops in Moscow.

2. The Pact to attack Sweden, When shall you attack?

A. Immediately
B. Wait until a peace treaty is signed with the Ottomans then attack
C. Do not attack this turn

3. Negotiations with the Ottoman Empire to renew the ceasefire. Will you press for a port on the black sea or settle with your entrance to the Sea of Azov.

4. The musket shortfall: Russia only produces 6,000 new muskets a year, what steps should you take to fix this problem?

A. Build factories to try to increase your production to 10,000 muskets a year by the end of the year. This may hurt your ability to carry out other projects for a short time.
B. Set out to buy muskets from nations with a Surplus (By PM or thread)
C. Learn to live with 6,000 muskets a year.

5. Plans for an offensive against Sweden:

A. Attack Narva on the coast of Livonia
B. Strike west into Finland
C. March on the Swedish fortress on Schlusselburg, once it falls it will open the way to the mouth of the Neva.
D. Other?

Saxony/Poland

1. Should the kingdom of Poland declare war with Saxony? The treaty only requires Saxony to declare war and the Polish diet is opposed to entering a major war with Sweden. Doing so would allow you to bring more men into the conflict.

2. What month should you attack in? Or shall you wait until next turn?

3. The offensive:

A. Attack Riga an important fortress for the Swedes
B. Attack the Swedish friendly Duchy of Courland
C. Other?

Spain:

1. The succession, your decision to name Phillipe of France your heir will certainly anger many other countries. What shall you do about this?

A. Give the Italian territories to the Austrian Emperor
B. Insist that the Empire stays as a whole but promise that the two kingdoms will never come into personal union.
C. Give away a few of the colonies in payment
D. Do nothing

2. The Debt how will you deal with it?

A. Cut expenses and raise taxes to slowly pay off the debt.
B. Ask that Louis XIV would pay off some of the debt in payment for you naming his Grandson heir
C. Sell off parts of the Italian possessions to make up the shortfall
D. Other?

Sweden:

1. The Pact to attack you should you wait for them to invade or attack first?

2. In the event of war who should you counterattack first?

A. Denmark
B. Saxony
C. Russia

[seireikhaan]

Totally OOC- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsfVw9xxoNY
Sorry, but when I started thinking about it, I couldn't resist. "Tonight we're gonna party like its 1699!"

[Lord Winter]

The deadline for decisions is August 20th

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

*removed as requested*

[seireikhaan]

Uh, I think you're supposed to PM DoH the responses, rather than letting everyone know. I'd edit that thing quickly if I were you.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

I know, acctendly press Post. I was just playing around with the answers

[Lord Winter]

*removed as requested*

I ment for you to send these in PM so others decisions wouldn't be affected by yours.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

don't know how to edit my posts,not letting me......

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

To the great King Louis of France,
I wish to trade muskets with you - at least 3,000 a year - I'm not sure of your production levels at this time though, so please excuse me if this is an unreasonable offer. I am willing to negotiate what I supply you in return.
Your's truly,
King Peter of Russia