Concert of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Jizya is hereby abolished and an unified tax code shall be used from the next tax season on. (Let's be honest, my good courtiers. It was unavoidable, especially with more s**t happening now.)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Sublime Porte has no interest in the upheavals in the Netherlands, other than stating beyond any doubt we do not wish to see the situation resulting in escalation of European tensions.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

A partial re-mobilization to reinforce the Ottoman forces in the Balkans is hereby ordered. The reorganization of the Janissary Corps is postponed, given difficult situation.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Out of respect for our allies' position, the Sublime Porte will not extend diplomatic recognition toward de facto government of the Netherlands.

Additionally, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty is deeply alarmed with the news from Sweden and is concerned the situation may escalate due to a work of rogue individuals, meddling with affairs of foreign nations.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan received the news of Polish attack on Prussia with horror and disbelief. Prussia had long been an ally of the Sublime Porte and can no longer purse policy of mediation. Unless the hostilities cease immediatelly, we will have no choice but to fully committed to our ally.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

PLAGUE SPREAD TO FRANCE BY FOREIGN AGENTS!!!

Given the plague originated in the Ottoman lands, a thorough investigation shall be concluded whether there's any, even incidental, connection.

It is also His Sacred and Imperial Majesty's strong belief nations of the region should come together to work on a plan to contain/battle the plague.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Because of Polish action against Prussia, the Sublime Porte have no choice, in the light of its foreign committments, but to reverse its supportive stance toward the Republic if this war goes on.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

With utmost regret, the Sublime Porte shall honor its obligations toward allies and hereby declares the state of war exists between the Ottoman State and Poland-Lithuania. The state of war also exists between the Ottoman State and the Netherland.

The history shall record we did everything we could to mend tensions.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan was the first sovereign to officially recognize Poland's status as a Republic. He had also advocated restrain, taking an official position the system of government is Poland's internal affair and nobody's else. However it is no longer merely an internal when one government tries to impose their philosophy on others, whether via open war or proxy schemes.

Since the Battle of Vienna, the Sublime Porte maintained respectful and friendly attitude towards Poland. During the European war we did not declare war, we urged our allies to remain cautious and helped to mediate a peace treaty with Prussia. We have also advocated restrain and offered diplomatic help again. And to what avail? To see Moldova set in fire and our main ally attacked?

Let it be clear leaders of the present Polish government cannot be talk with, reasoned with, negotiated with. 

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Venice once again offers to mediate talks on avoiding war. With the Plague ravaging our world, the last thing we need is a return to war.

All powers are invited to Venice for discussions.

The Ottoman Empire is willing to work on containing the plague with neutral powers.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

As the investigation is ongoing, the Sublime Porte cannot, regretfully, rule out that spreading of the plague to France did indeed originate from Ottoman ports, whether by unfortunate accident or by actions of undetermined individuals.

As a precaution, the Ottoman shipping will be restricted for time being.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

40,000 troops diverted from all armies (aside of Army of Moldova, the Janissary Corps and, of course, Swiss mercenaries) will form the Internal Works Corps, which shall be employed in helping with development of our broadly defined infrastructure in the Ottoman realm (so I can have some more work done domestically, with the Corps being a good opportunity for soldiers who otherwise wouldn't have much to go back in civilian life).