The Age of Enlightenment. Game 9.

Jason wrote:Have wondered if Russia goes about the naval buildup a bit wrong.  I think most players try and get the ships and/or shipbuilding abilities but don't obtain the seamanship skills.  Perhaps what they should do is send potential crews off to an academy for a year first to be trained (either by foreign missions or by Russians who were previously trained by foreign missions) in seamanship skills-you would need some trained as 'other ranks' and others trained in officer seamanship.  Would take longer to build up a fleet but might mean Russia gets a fleet that doesn't get lost/sink/sail off the edge of the world...

That is a smart point i'm aldready working on!

That sounds like a great idea. Try to work with another sea-faring power to get your folks trained.

I had always assumed that getting the plans for line ships didn't mean you were going to be all that good at using them compared to nations that have long experience on the sea.

Deacon wrote:
That sounds like a great idea. Try to work with another sea-faring power to get your folks trained.

I had always assumed that getting the plans for line ships didn't mean you were going to be all that good at using them compared to nations that have long experience on the sea.

I've gathered all the cunning minds of the Tsardom to investigate which institution would be the best choice to send the first 1000 recruits of the Muscovite Naval & Mathematics Academy. By large consensus, the chosen institution is

the Prussian Yacht Club!

I think the recruits will begin their training in September when they should have been able to locate were Prussia is.

Anyway, the turn is not officially arrived until Goldstar did not make his commentary! (wich allows me to understand what has happened in the turn itself!

June 1704 and discord spreads throughout Europe and wider world.

1. As expected Bavaria declares war on England in support of his French ally, the rest of the HRE appears to be following the Emperor neutrality policy.
2. Bavaria will allow Reich troops to cross it's territory again as long as it is informed in advance. Does this mean the Baden-Durlach question is settled after the Reich court ruled in the Emperor's favour.
3. The Anglo-French war is growing increasingly complicated diplomatically. Spain is currently neutral but is clearly pro-French, the UDP and Sweden are also neutral but appear to be looking for an excuse to Join the war on England's side. Minor skirmishing in America by pro-French Indians and continued commerce raiding.
4. The Emperor has thanked the Reich court for clarifying the Baden-Durlach issue, hardly surprising given it supported his interpretation. Austria continues to try and hire troops from the various Reich states, whilst the Emperor heads off to tour the Italian states, before calling on the Holy Father in Rome.
5. The Tsar seeks agreement with the Poles to ally against any Swedish or Turkish aggression, the Poles seem eager for war with the Swedes. A party of Russian sailors arrive in England looking for Heavy Frigates, but appear to have went to the wrong place.
6. Lord Fong's anti-Teutonic policies are revealed, he now plans to ban all traders from the HRE. Clearly sausage, beer, precision Engineering and Omph bands offend the Mighty Fong. Perhaps he should take up his pipe and inhale the black smoke to calm down.

More insults against that wise, generous, calm and most kind Lord Fong. He merely reacts to the uncouthness of certain German barbarians. Now of course, if some can demonstrate they are capable of behaving in a civilised manner, I am sure that most just ruler will let them trade.

It is a great shame that so many barbarians are not able to conduct themselves in a civilised manner but what can you expect of such people, denied the benefits that being part of the Eternal Empire bring

Hi Royal Buddies,

last turn arrived on 6th of april, has anyone info concerning when the new turn will be in town?

We got G10 on Friday, so suspect it will be a little longer yet, maybe end of the week

July 1704.

1. Voorzitter van den Raad van Staat Antonie Heinsius of the UDP declares that as King William III is the Stadtholder of the UDP as well as King of England he has the right to set up an Army Camp in the United Provinces, despite the objections of the Spanish Government. Heinsius also asks the Elector of Bavaria to reconsider his declaration of war against England.
2. King Charles XII of Sweden also resides in the UDP at present with his army. King Charles XII is seeking advice from protestant theologians withier he can declare war on Bavaria in defence of England, unable to find Lutheran priests, he has turned to Calvinist churchmen. They advise him to seek a diplomatic solution but to be ready to draw his sword should the reformation be threatened.
3. The French Army marches out of Brussels, apparently heading back towards France.
4. The Elector of Bavaria visits his army in Cologne and finds his troops to be well disciplined but in need of rest. The Elector assures his troops that their cause is just.
5. Frederick VII Magnus of Zahringen, Margrave of Baden-Durlach is informed by the Elector of Bavaria that the proposed annexation treaty has been withdrawn, but offers a treaty of alliance to include France.
6. Brunswick and Hesse-Kassel agree to provide troops to the Emperor in return for 1,000,000 Taler a year. Wurtemburg cannot provide more troops, but agrees to meet its Reicharmee commitment.
7. Prince Frederick Augustus II, Elector of Saxony, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania returns from his period of seclusion and announces religious toleration throughout his realm. News of the Electors return has caused courtesans and comely wenches from all over the Reich to flock to Dresden. The Brewers and Beerkellers of Saxony are expecting business to boom now the Elector has returned.
8. Spain announced radical measures to avert disaster after the recent famine, mass population transfers to the colonies are planned and Nobility banned from holding banquets. It has been suggested to Queen Dowager Mariana de Neoburgo that she return to Germany, but she has decided to remain in the convent.
9. The Emperor continues his travels in Italy, but appears to have been delayed whilst travelling to Florence. The Holy Father in Rome looks forward to seeing the Emperor in the near future.
10. A French naval attack on Fort Albany has been thwarted by the English Army. French backed Cherokee Indians continue to raid English settlements.
11. The Protestant English government demands the Papacy investigate the Spanish Succession and threatens Spain to keep its nose out of its War with France.
12. The Great and Powerful Lord Fong surrounded by his fawning and sycophantic mandarins offers to take over any foreign land which wishes kowtow before his magnificence.

Something cooking? Are we gonna have a D-Day or the allied forces are already landed...in the UDP?

Is famine such a terrible issue to push an entire nation on a different continent?

Welcome back Augustus the Strong!

Famine is a curse! In my experience of incompetently managing agriculture I have seen loses of 25-50% of population in a year. A real kicker! Thought evacuation would be an interesting project!

fraught with complications how do you start a new country and how do you look after the old one?

Well Sir, I trust the good Lord in his mercy will look favourably upon his subjects. Bringing more civilisation to the Americas...a bit more growing room and may delay the inevitable losses for a few months. Worse than any war. I will keep you all informed of the new venture.

So, no plan - starve here or there, the odds may be slightly better over there. '''Tis a short and brutish life.

Bit like Hull on a Friday night! Haha!

How are you Terry old son? All good I hope! 😉

Simon

Goldstar wrote:July 1704.

12.  The Great and Powerful Lord Fong surrounded by his fawning and sycophantic mandarins offers to take over any foreign land which wishes kowtow before his magnificence.

Think of the advantages of knowing the wise and just rule of Lord Fong

1) All the tea you can drink
2) A free copy of "The Collected Wisdom of Lord Fong, Volumes 1 to 127" and the chance to buy-at a very reasonable price-"Why Lord Fong is so great"
3) The chance to not trade with petty places like Austria and Bavaria...but then they don't make anything useful anyway
4) The chance to experience the brilliant rule of Lord Fong
5) No chance whatsoever of becoming a eunuch, even if you join the Kwantung Navy

Jason wrote:

Goldstar wrote:July 1704.

12.  The Great and Powerful Lord Fong surrounded by his fawning and sycophantic mandarins offers to take over any foreign land which wishes kowtow before his magnificence.

Think of the advantages of knowing the wise and just rule of Lord Fong

1) All the tea you can drink
2) A free copy of "The Collected Wisdom of Lord Fong, Volumes 1 to 127" and the chance to buy-at a very reasonable price-"Why Lord Fong is so great"
3) The chance to not trade with petty places like Austria and Bavaria...but then they don't make anything useful anyway
4) The chance to experience the brilliant rule of Lord Fong
5) No chance whatsoever of becoming a eunuch, even if you join the Kwantung Navy

Compare with advantages of being a Russian subject.

1) Free Vodka
2) no food, but free vodka
3) You know your place in society, it's the lowest! But free Vodka.
3) if you can swin you can become admiral, and enjoy Rum with your free Vodka.
4) No worrig about the future, because you're starving and drunk. (unless you join the navy, then you're sinkin' n drunk!

Nexus06 wrote:

Jason wrote:

Goldstar wrote:July 1704.

12.  The Great and Powerful Lord Fong surrounded by his fawning and sycophantic mandarins offers to take over any foreign land which wishes kowtow before his magnificence.

Think of the advantages of knowing the wise and just rule of Lord Fong

1) All the tea you can drink
2) A free copy of "The Collected Wisdom of Lord Fong, Volumes 1 to 127" and the chance to buy-at a very reasonable price-"Why Lord Fong is so great"
3) The chance to not trade with petty places like Austria and Bavaria...but then they don't make anything useful anyway
4) The chance to experience the brilliant rule of Lord Fong
5) No chance whatsoever of becoming a eunuch, even if you join the Kwantung Navy

Compare with advantages of being a Russian subject.

1) Free Vodka
2) no food, but free vodka
3) You know your place in society, it's the lowest! But free Vodka.
3) if you can swin you can become admiral, and enjoy Rum with your free Vodka.
4) No worrig about the future, because you're starving and drunk. (unless you join the navy, then you're sinkin' n drunk!

Reject the blandishments of the Heathen Chinese or barbaric Russians.  The Greater Reich is the centre of world Art, Culture and Liberty.

1) The finest Baroque and Germanic Opera.
2)  Beer!!!
3)  The popular sport of Fox tossing.
4)  Strudel, schnapps and more beer!!!
5)  You will not be required to wear your hair in a long pigtail, grow a beard or bind your women's feet.

Turn has arrived!

newsflash waiting for Deacon's report

1. The Naval battle of Brest!
2. Espana al'ataque! Spain declares war on England
3. The Tsar is building his own yacht, while his crew has finally found out were England is
4. Kwantung fleet gloriously battling against flying dragons!
5. The Holy Roman Emperor is still collecting troops for it's Reicharmee

This and much more on "The Glory of king, august turn!"

August 1704 and we have a full scale European War.
1. Roughly evenly matched English and French fleets engage each other at Brest, 50 of the line on each side. Little damage apparent on either side, but the French Fleet retired. The French appear to have discovered that priming tubes are not suitable for rapid firing.
2. Spain declares that England, Sweden, the UDP and Scotland are engaged in a Protestant plot to undermine Catholic Europe. Accuses the Vatican of being under Protestant influence and promptly declares war on the heretic English.
3. The King of Sweden prays for Devine guidance and offers himself as gods holy warrior. Swedish troops await transportation from Stockholm by the English Navy.
4. Clearly the use of Opium has reached maturation point in China as the Chinese fleet put to sea to engages flying dragons.
5. A Prussian detachment arrives at Bresiach to join the growing Reicharmee and is welcomed by King Joseph who is inspecting the troops. Danish troops march to Munster to join the Reich troops in the city, whilst Austria continues to try and drum up more troops. The Emperor preaches Reich neutrality whilst maintaining a watch on the Rhine.
6. King Louis XIV sends huge amounts of grain to Spain and a lesser amount to Russia.
7. The Emperor continues his tour of Italy, calling on his vassal Grand Duke Cosimo of Tuscany. Given the current situation in Europe even the much respected Emperor now travels with a strong escort.
8. Just conjecture but the Spanish declaration of war will likely bring Sweden and the UDP in on England's side. We now have a straight Protestant v Catholic fight, with the Catholics having the big battalions and the Protestants the cash.

technically i do not think that northern italy is part of the empire, even thou a suzerainty might exist.

But how can the Emperor and His most christian majesty allow a protestant Pope?

There is NO Protestant POPE! He is 100% Catholic.

Spain appears somewhat wayward in his statements. Strange he declared war rather than allow Holy Father to check into his story about goings on in Spain though??

Goldstar wrote:We now have a straight Protestant v Catholic fight, with the Catholics having the big battalions and the Protestants the cash.

"God is not on the side of the big battalions, but on the side of those who shoot best." I believe some bloke once said. We'll just need to see if the other side can shoot!

Nexus06 wrote:Kwantung fleet gloriously battling against flying dragons!

Goldstar wrote:Clearly the use of Opium has reached saturation point in China as the Chinese fleet put to sea to engages flying dragons.

Brilliant! Is someone using a disguised boat, that is armed with a flamethrower?

Rozwi_Game10 wrote:

Goldstar wrote:We now have a straight Protestant v Catholic fight, with the Catholics having the big battalions and the Protestants the cash.

"God is not on the side of the big battalions, but on the side of those who shoot best." I believe some bloke once said. We'll just need to see if the other side can shoot!

Nexus06 wrote:Kwantung fleet gloriously battling against flying dragons!

Goldstar wrote:Clearly the use of Opium has reached saturation point in China as the Chinese fleet put to sea to engages flying dragons.

Brilliant! Is someone using a disguised boat, that is armed with a flamethrower?

Have you ever seen a flaming flying dragon? no? then say thanks to Lord Fong

How does Lord FONG have his Dragon Steak,? Crispy??

Oh, I see

I thought it was a misinterpretation of what had been seen, with scouts reporting sightings of dragons.

But in fact it was Lord Fong chasing the dragon.

One day you'll all learn the truth...and when that day comes you will truly fear Lord Fong...