G7 - France vs. England

Ireland declared for King James several months ago. The Duke of Marlborough has accepted King James so there is no debate over who is king/ruler of England or Ireland.

I don't know what the situation is with Scotland, but from what I remember they are independent of England. It would be odd if there was not a sizeable Jacobite presence in Scotland! In the terms of his Accession, King James claimed the crowns of England, Ireland and Scotland. Historically he may now need to be crowned King of Scotland in a separate ceremony to be valid in the eyes of the people of Scotland, but that isn't France's problem - it is up to the player for King James/Duke of Marlborough.

Now that the next turn reply date has passed I am making this announcement to quell any more ill-informed speculation. For some time now I have struggled to find the money to pay for game turns. France is a large and complex global position and the rule changes to unlimited orders means it requires a greater financial commitment than I am able to make on a regular basis to the game. This was true even in peacetime, let alone when required to fight several enemies across 3 continents. The Spanish Empire is a similar size and has 3 Viceroys plus Flanders to help share the burden. It is ironic that although France has never been in better shape, my own personal finances are the opposite.

Although I had hoped that the end of the English war would have reduced the burden sufficiently for me to continue, last week’s budget and a MoT failure the day after removed any chance of my remaining in the game or returning for some time. This disappoints me as much as it will many of you, and I hope that a new player for France will come forward without delay.

Many nations have been surprised that France had not ended the wars sooner by crushing England and marching against Austria. For this delay and the effect this had on your own positions I apologise. You will understand now why the game seemed locked in stalemate for so long. It would not be in the interests of the game for me to cling on month after month out of loyalty to my allies, when I am unable to pay enough to get the necessary orders processed.

As luck would have it, the surprise announcement this last turn of a new player for England accepting King James makes this an ideal time to retire. The terms of France's involvement in England have already been published in the newspaper and on this forum. Until a new player for France arrives there is no reason for those terms to be altered in any way. King James should support the Duke of Marlborough and their combined armies should overcome any civilian rebellion. I hope that existing players will grant to the new player for England the customary courtesies and stop their personal and spiteful attacks on France and her allies. LGDR7 need no longer focus on me as an individual, but return to exploring the wider historical dynamics of the period. As I have stated many times LGDR is so much more than a wargame.

To those who have supported France openly or secretly throughout this time, I thank you. You are worthy winners who accept the principle that rulers should keep their word, and stand up for truth and honour. These values are eternal as is the glory you have won. You know that I would never have abandoned you willingly, how much I will miss implementing our plans and hope that any new player for France will prove worthy of his inheritance. France remains the game’s only superpower and has more than enough resources to defeat the Hapsburgs and their allies. All that is missing now is a player willing and able to use the machine I built up to its full effect.

To those who have opposed France, you may be relieved by my decision, but remember I achieved all my game objectives, frustrated yours and defeated every argument you put before me by reference to historical fact, not by relying on propaganda or denial. If there was one secret to France's success, then that was it. I know some of you don't like me, indeed some hate me (openly or secretly); you wouldn't react in such a way if you didn't know I am right. You might continue to fight on even though you have no reason to do so, but any victory you claim will be a hollow one. There is so much more I had planned to do in this game, but perhaps it is fitting that as in life we can't chose when we go. You'll miss me far more than you'll ever admit as I will miss being able to give you what you have coming.

I hope to return to a game of LGDR at some point in the future when circumstances change.