Concert of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[DKrol]

January 1756
George II of Great Britain

A Proclamation From Kensington Palace

Dark days are unfolding across the European mainland, as well as the New World. The French King, if the man may still be called such, is constructing a tangled web of alliances, promises, and thin commitments in an effort to prepare an aggressive military machine. The King in France has gone so far in his quest to rip apart the peace of Europe as to insult, throwing proper Christian diplomacy to the wolves, the King of Spain in a private dialogue. His Majesty the King has taken many precautions to protect the British people from these actions of aggression and violence in Europe, including the signing of landmark treaties with the Kingdom of Prussia and the Kingdom of Spain as well as the commencement of diplomatic overtures to the Sublime Porte and the Princess Royal in the United Provinces of the Netherlands.

The newest action His Majesty the King has taken to protect the British people, both at home and in the New World, is to order a 65% tariff on any and all French or Austrian goods sold in British ports, either in Europe, the New World, or the Orient or goods of French or Austrian origin brought into any holding of the British Crown if purchased elsewhere. The Austrians, as many are aware, are the Eastern puppet of the French, pursuing many acts of aggression towards the Prussians and the German Princes, and ignoring several overtures for peace from His Majesty the King in Prussia, Frederick II.

As a sign of his good intent, His Majesty the King is willing to make an offer to the King in France to abate the tensions sweeping over Europe in these days. If the King in France turns the traitor Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, over to the British Crown to face justice for his role in the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, His Majesty the King will recognize the true intentions of the King in France and the tariff will be lifted. If the Stuart traitor is not handed over the British Crown with all due haste, it will become overwhelmingly clear that the King in France means to make no peace and that aggression will be the path forward.

God save the King!

[Lumine]

A Proclamation from Sanssouci:

It becomes increasingly clear to us all that His Majesty Louis XV and Empress Maria Theresa are more concerned with aggression and intrigue than they are with even the necessities of their own peoples, trying to drag Europe into a war for the sake of their own territorial expansion. The King of France calls himself a perfect gentleman, but does not hesitate to bring serious, unacceptable accusations on the honor of the His Majesty and the honor of the King of Spain, who all of Europe would find a more reliable source of events than a Monarch who has constantly spread misinformation and fear.

We take no lessons on morality from the corrupt court of Versailles, or the warmongering spirit prevailing in Vienna.

His Majesty the King follows the lead of his much appreciated ally and future brother-in-law, and hereby declares a 65% tariff on any and all French or Austrian goods sold in Prussian ports or brought to Prussia by land. In doing this not only we protect the farmers and merchants of our own Kingdom, we make it clear that the actions of Versailles and Vienna cannot be tolerated. Much like our esteemed friends and allies in Great Britain and in the interests of peace we also make yet another peace overture to Vienna and Empress Maria Theresa.

If Empress Maria Theresa recognizes Silesia as rightful, lawful Prussian territory and drops her claim on the province Prussia will then be able to recognize a sincere desire for peace coming from Austria, and would therefore lift these tariffs. To act otherwise would make it clear the Empress aims to take Silesia back and start a war of aggression, war which His Majesty has tried again and again to avoid.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Archduchy of Austria
January 1756
Diplomacy:
Austria refuses to consider Prussia's ill-gotten gains back in 1740 as legitimate. It will continue to claim Silesia as rightful Habsburg territory.
Austria extends an offer of protection to all German states that might feel threatened by Prussian aggression. Austria will regard an attack on its forthright ally Saxony as an act of war.
See diplomacy.
Military
Focus is to remain on ensuring the army is well armed.

[GoTfan]

Proclomation from the United Provinces of the Netherlands

The intransigence of France and Austria on our ally Prussia cannot go unanswered. In response, the States General is to vote on an increase of tariffs on both Grench and Austrian goods.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Statement from Vienna

We do not wish war and we do not see the fact we still claim Silesia as rightful Habsburg territory as making war necessary at the moment. Prussia has been warmongering, trying to plunge the European continent into war over the Silesia issue. Evidently it should be clear that if war begins, it is the fault of Prussia, partly due to their sly efforts to box in Austria's allies on other fronts in preparation for war. Vienna is fully aware of Prussia's willingness to grab and steal Austrian territory, as we so painfully learned in 1740. We do not wish for the same to happen to any of our allies, or to neutral nations in Germany - we want to protect all potentially affected parties from warmongering Prussia.

[windjammer]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

xKingLouisXV

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

xEmpressMariaTheresa

[windjammer]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

xKingLouisXV

After having heard of a potential peace summit. We have decided to reduce it to 65% (the tariff) in a show of our good faith.
xLouis XV

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

xKingLouisXV

After having heard of a potential peace summit. We have decided to reduce it to 65% (the tariff) in a show of our good faith.
xLouis XV

xEmpressMariaTheresa

[Wikipedia delenda est]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

xKingLouisXV

After having heard of a potential peace summit. We have decided to reduce it to 65% (the tariff) in a show of our good faith.
xLouis XV

xEmpressMariaTheresa

xEmpressElizabeth

[GoTfan]

Statement from the United Provinces of the Netherlands

Clearly peace is not on the agenda of France and Austria, only threats and deception, and territorial expansion. Unless the tariff on Dutch goods is removed immediately, both countries will be blacklisted and Dutch traders will look elsewhere.

[Spamage]

Major Events
 January-June 1756

Dutch States General welcomes closer ties with Prussia, Praise for Anne of Hanover

The Dutch States General have approved the lowering of tariffs with the Kingdom of Prussia, proud to be forming closer ties with a fellow Protestant nation. Simultaneously, the assembly rejected an immediate formation of a non-aggression pact with the French, following the news of the Franco-Austrian alliance.
Anne of Hanover has become quite popular with the republicans in the Netherlands by allowing the government to function, even though this has likely decreased the power available to her son William V. As a result of this, the Orangists have come to resent her, rumors abounding they are plotting to undermine her rule and place William's popular grandmother, and Anne's former mother-in-law, as regent in her stead.

"Holy" King Louis taxes the Second Estate, Nobles outraged!

There was widespread shock in France when the well-known womanizer King Louis XV announced suddenly, and without warning, that he would be giving up on his past sins. The King ordered all of his mistresses, including the noted Madame de Pompadour, out of Versailles and publicly reaffirmed his commitment to his Queen through an act of penance. Even the two women sent by the Sultan as a gift to the King were quickly shipped back to Istanbul. These actions alone would be notable, had Louis not then followed it up by announcing he was going to limit the tax-exempt status of the French nobility, a right that had been safeguarded for decades, if not centuries. Though the King announced it was a temporary tax in order to prepare the nation for any future conflict with the new Anglo-Prussian-Spanish alliance, there was still widespread consternation. For the first time since the Fronde more than a century ago, some nobles are genuinely upset, though it hasn't stopped members of the Third Estate from reminding them they will only be shouldering a fraction of the tax burden compared to the common people.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Comment from the Sublime Porte regarding King Louis' handling of the gift from His Sacred and Imperial Majesty:

Disrespectful and saddening.

[Spamage]

The Concert of Europe

June 1756

Map Changes:
-Florida is given to the British
-Gibraltar and Minorca are given to the Spanish
-Father's War breaks out in Poland-Lithuania


Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Russian Empire- Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (Henry Wallace)
Kingdom of France- King Louis XV Bourbon (Windjammer)
Kingdom of Prussia- King Fredrick II Hohenzollern (Lumine)
Archduchy of Austria- Empress Maria Theresa Habsburg (TimTurner)
Kingdom of Great Britain- King George II of Hanover (DKrol)
Kingdom of Spain- King Ferdinand VI Bourbon (CMB222)
United Provinces of the Netherlands- Regent Anne of Hanover (GOTfan)
Ottoman Empire- Sultan Osman III Osmanoğlu (Kalwejt)
Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania- Augustus III (X)
Kingdom of Sweden- Adolf Frederick (YPestis25)

Kingdom of Portugal- Joseph I Braganza (Dereich)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway- Frederick V Oldenburg (Kingpoleon)

Economic Standings:
Kingdom of Prussia- Very Strong
United Provinces of the Netherlands-Strong
Kingdom of Great Britain- Strong
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway- Strong
Archduchy of Austria- Moderate
Kingdom of France- Moderate
Russian Empire- Moderate
Kingdom of Spain- Moderate
Kingdom of Sweden- Moderate
Ottoman Empire- Moderate
Kingdom of Portugal- Weak
Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania- Weak

Ongoing Conflicts:
-Skirmishing in the Americas: France v. Great Britain (War undeclared)
-Father's War: Polish Royalists v. Sejm Noble Rebels

Russian Empire:

-Empress Elizabeth, with the unrest in Poland-Lithuania some at Court are calling for greater Russian involvement. Your father, Peter the Great, managed in the early part of the century to enforce the rights of the Polish Sejm against attempts by Augustus II to establish his own absolute monarchy. Augustus was forced to agree to no Saxon troops in Poland, the continuation of the Liberum Veto, and the decrease in the size of the Polish Army. His successor, and your erstwhile ally, has violated all three core points of your father's polish policy. With the  Sejm nobles calling for your active support in the Father's War, will take an active role supporting them? Devour your neighbor? Or help the King suppress those who would challenge his authority?

-Your nephew was highly offended by his disinheritance in favor of his infant son. Grand Duke Peter has become withdrawn, with many in the opposition rallying around him. There are some at Court who fear that he will denounce the infant Paul as a bastard, reviving the rumors that have continously circulated that Paul was the result of an affair between Catherine and Saltykov, her secret lover. This would be damaging and only serve to embolden those hidden traditionalists who still yearn for the restoration of Ivan VI, who has sat alone imprisoned since his infancy. How will you respond to Peter's potentially problematic behavior?

-Russia has established a colony in Alaska, seeking to gain access to the rich wealth of the New World. The few colonists have taken to relying on the native Aleuts for finding food, with many being enslaved or wiped out by the exposure to infectious diseases. Some are urging for more colonists to be sent, increasing the size of the settlements, though others argue it is too expensive of a move for vast tracts of empty land. Regardless, with the Aleuts running low, it is incumbent on you to find a way for the colony to be made both sustainable and profitable. What is your policy in the New World?

Kingdom of France:

-The defeat in the New World by the Loudon Expedition was highly embarrassing for the Kingdom of France. Now the control of the Ohio Valley has come under threat. Tensions, already high, have become explosive in France, with many ministers calling for an immediate declaration of war in response to British aggression (especially in light of the obvious troops movements that have been undertaken in the last few months by your government). They argue that declaring war outright will give the French more flexibility in dealing with the British in India and Europe. At very least they wish for you to put a halt to the peace proceedings attempted in Hanover, reminding the Crown of the dead Frenchmen in Ohio. What will you do?

-While you have undertaken economic reforms, the most well-known being your tax on the nobility, not enough time has passed yet for the effects to be seen. Nobles are reminding you that the only way for new taxes to be approved is through the calling of the Estates General and have refused to turn over money, with some local judges siding with them over the Crown. In addition, the royal visits of the Crown Prince throughout the provinces proved to be a debacle in some regions. While he was cheered by the loyal crowds in Brittany, he was pelted with rotten vegetables in Toulouse. The scene was highly embarrassing, with some magistrates blaming the behavior on the local crypto-Huguenots. The Cahiers have proved more successful, but some advisors fear letting the people think too much about what ails them could backfire and are urging for you to close the submissions hastily, or at very least to have oversight of local officials on what is submitted (so nothing insulting to your majesty is added). Clearly a deft hand is necessary for domestic policy, what will you do King Louis?

-While the Pope has not taken the position of entirely endorsing the French alliance, he was supportive of cooperation between the Catholic powers of Europe. He specifically commended you for your new commitment to faithfulness in your marriage, offering the gift of a portion of the year's tithes in France. As a result his private negotiations, the Archbishops of Mainz and Trier have come forward with offers of friendship, though they are wary at present of forming an actual alliance. They demand assurances that France has no designs on the Imperial Territory on the western bank of the Rhine, warily remembering your great-grandfather's attempts at French expansion in the region. Will you sacrifice the potential territorial gains in Europe in order to win friendship with some of the minor principalities in the Empire?

Archduchy of Austria:

-Your efforts to resist the Prussian calls to recognize Silesia have won you plenty of praise within your dominions, Maria Theresa. Your alliance with the French, on the other hand, has received far more lukewarm support. It was the French who were the foes of your family for generations, though it appears most people are willing to overlook the unholy alliance if it means Austria will regain her rightful dominions. With domestic tranquility emerging, some are calling for you to woo the Catholic princes of the Empire, seeking stronger ties with Bavaria and others. This would involve forgiving them for their abandonment of you during the War of the Austrian Succession though, something which may be difficult to do. Many advisors warn that you may never be able to trust them again after their abandonment of the Pragmatic Sanction, so further treaties are fruitless. How will you proceed with Imperial Politics?

-The issue of religion remains an important topic in the Habsburg dominions. Austria has been the traditional bulwark of Catholicism in the Holy Roman Empire and you personally are a devout Catholic. Despite this, there are some who have urged you to ease religious restrictions in Austria to make it more "Enlightened" and friendly to Protestants. This toleration risks throwing areas such as Bohemia back into the chaos experienced during the Thirty Years War, as well as raising the ire of your fellow devout subjects. Will you heed the growing calls for toleration or keep Austria a Catholic power? Furthermore, in that same light, what will your policy be regarding the Jesuits? Many have urged for their expulsion and confiscating their property, which could be quite valuable, even if this means backlash from some in the Church.

-The Austrian Netherlands has always been a problematic territory for your rule. Your family never truly wanted the land following the War of the Spanish Succession and has been trying to get rid of it ever since. The people there are not connected to the remainder of your territories, nor do they even speak the same language as the surrounding German imperial territories. There have been growing calls in Vienna for the territory to be used as a bartering chip, offered to another power in exchange for more valuable, connected territory. Others argue that with tensions against Prussia so high, it would be unwise to abandon a territory that has easy access to their west german holdings. What will you do about the Austrian Netherlands albatross?

[Spamage]

Kingdom of Great Britain:

-King George, your expedition in Ohio has proved to be a surprising success. The French forts in the area have been occupied, though now the question arises about how to proceed. Some in Parliament are encouraging a full declaration of war in light of the aggressive French expansion in the region (including the construction of forts along the borders of the colonies). Also, where will your 14,300 men move now? Will they maintain the forts in the area, blocking French invasion over the Appalachians, and risk continued native attacks or destroy the forts and keep the forces moving. Spies are reporting French soldiers are being poured into the region making any move unlikely to be as successful as the initial victories of Loudon. How will the French and Indian War, as the conflict is being called, be prosecuted?

-Your government has been soundly criticized for the abandonment of the Mediterranean to the French, with the trade of Gibraltar and the abandonment of Minorca to the Spanish. Still, doing this has freed up numerous British vessels to be redeployed elsewhere. Some are encouraging them to remain in Europe, blocking any attempt by France to blockade the Isles, while other admirals are encouraging them to be redeployed in either the New World or India. Where will Britain's new naval focus be?

-With rumors abounding of a French alliance with the Maratha Confederacy in India, representatives of the Mughal Empire have proposed an alliance between your two powers, in an effort to stem French influence across the sub-continent. They are willing to provide full military aid and lend soldiers to any potential joint operations in India, in return for several guarantees. They desire open trade with the British colonies, guaranteed independence, and future territorial gains in the region in the event of a war. Will you make an agreement with the Mughals or attempt to go-it-alone in India? Perhaps there are other powers that could be convinced to align themselves with Great Britain in the region...

United Provinces of the Netherlands:

-The Orangists, once your staunchest allies and advocates, have begun to isolate and ignore you. Instead they have taken to meeting with your mother-in-law Marie Louise of Hesse-Kassel, the highly popular and experienced regent for your late husband during his childhood. Clearly, they are upset with your allowing the republic to continue as intended. Some republicans have advocated arresting your former mother-in-law, or at very least detaining her, though there have been no public indications of her disloyalty. Such a move risks spending the political capital so recently won with the Prussian alliance. How will you move forward?

-The changing geo-political situation means that the Dutch will have to make peace with one of their two former rivals, either the Holy Roman Empire or the Spanish. With Spain becoming friendly with Great Britain, and your new sister-in-law a member of the Spanish Bourbons, some have argued you should go with the British-Prussian-Spanish alliance, reminding the government that Spain no longer holds territory directly to the south of the Republic. Others continue to maintain friendship with France is the way forward for the dutch, even if it means becoming indirect allies with the Holy Roman Empire, arguing the Dutch Army will not be able to maintain the Republic in the face of a land invasion. Or perhaps you could remain neutral, and risk being left behind as the affairs of Europe march forward?

-Dutch traders have known about a mysterious, new continent in the far reaches of the globe for some time now. With the recent growth of your Dutch East Indies territories, there are some in Amsterdam that are calling for a concerted effort of colonization in this "New Holland". Others believe the government should funnel settlers into the Cape Colony. A third group wants to colonize both areas, ignoring the costs of the ventures. These colonies could either represent future security for the dutch nation and your sons reign or be the road to debt and overexpansion like the Spanish suffered. What will you do?

Kingdom of Spain:

-King Ferdinand, with the prospect of war appearing more likely, there are many demanding you begin a policy of self-defense. With your Kingdom's alliance with France over the last half-century, fortifications along the Pyrenees have fallen into disrepair. Some military advisors are demanding forts be refitted and reconstructed along the french border in order to deter any land attack. These moves could be expensive however, and others argue that fighting has moved beyond the days where fortresses were effective means of defense against large armies. Will you repair the border forts or let them remain unoccupied in order to save money?

-Spain retains a vast colonial empire, though in recent decades the once rapid expansion has slowed to a crawl. The more expansionist-minded courtiers have demanded military action be taken to finish the conquest of the Phillippines and to further settle the Rio de La Plata in South America. This could mean expanding the Spanish debt, with colonies not always being a cheap investment. One proposed solution would be welcoming foreigners to settle in Spanish colonies, though this could mean they would be less loyal to the Metropole. Will you further Spain's expansion or allow the colonies to stay at a similar size as at present?

-Your decision to ally with Britain was not without controversy within Spain. There are many nobles and clergy who have decried the decision to join hands with a nation of "pirates and protestants", though there has been a sentiment of national pride in favor of the alliance after you announced that the French had insulted Spanish dignity (the return of Gibraltar also helped these feelings). Regardless, your popularity among traditional constituencies has been slightly damaged by the move, whatever the longterm benefits. How will you win back the trust of the Church and the nobles?

Kingdom of Prussia:

-The welcoming of German Protestants has been a highly successful policy, with many pouring in from Westphalia and southern Germany. While this influx has resulted in the cultivation of new lands and the growth of old villages, there has been some resentment of the native Prussians over what they perceive to be favoritism towards the immigrants. They dislike the amount of land being sold to the new Prussians, arguing traditional residents should have priority of purchase over newcomers. While your early attempts to assuage their concerns by proclaiming pan-Germanism have had mild success, many people are more used to seeing themselves as a "Brandenburger" or "Pommeranian" than as a "German", due to the long history of separate principalities in the Holy Roman Empire. How will you address their concerns>

-Clearly Europe is spiraling into some sort of crisis, though it remains to be seen whether it can still be solved. With Austria outright refusing to confirm Prussian control of Silesia, there are growing calls for you to take action and force them through military victory to recognize the land as lost once and for all. Other generals see an opportunity in the Father's War in Poland. With the rebels calling out to Prussia for military aide against the establishment of what could be a dangerous absolute monarchy in the Commonwealth, many in your military are inclined to grant their requests, or at very least to attack Saxony in order to distract Augustus III. The rebels have reportedly proposed the creation of a continuous corridor between East Prussia and Brandenburg should you help restore the power of the Sejm. What will you do about the crisis on your borders to the east?

-Your efforts to clear domestic trade barriers have been enacted, though now there are further calls for reform from the liberal elements of society. Prussia, like most Central and Eastern European powers, remains a Kingdom with serfs used to farm the land. By easing domestic trade, there are some who fear that the Junker nobility will be able to out-compete with other Prussian businesses and small-landholders due to the nonexistent labor costs of serfdom. Freeing the serfs would be in line with the Enlightenment ethos, though it could risk alienating the nobles (the backbone of the Prussian military) at a time when it is not wise to do so. What shall the royal approach to serfdom be?

[Spamage]

Ottoman Empire:

-Sultan Osman, you have been widely praised for keeping the Ottomans out of the pan-European squabbling during the last few months, your subjects watching from as tensions across the continent rise. There are some in Istanbul though who fear by remaining outside of the alliances, the Ottomans risk being left behind or even potentially vulnerable to the victors of any conflict. There is widespread consensus that the Father's War in Poland offers you a clear gateway to get involved in European affairs, with some ministers greedily eyeing weakened Polish lands with memories of the old Ottoman glory of expansion. Will you assert yourself in European affairs or continue to watch from afar?

-The primary mode of tax collection in the Ottoman Empire by far is the jizya, taxing the non-Muslims in return for relative freedom to worship. With the Enlightenment spreading across Europe though, there have been some in Greece, riled up by arguments for religious toleration, who have refused to pay the tax in direct defiance to your authority. These Orthodox subjects argue the jizya is an archaic institution not fit for a changing world and without action being taken, more and more Orthodox and Jewish subjects could refuse to honor their obligations under the law. The Patriarch of Constantinople has refused to weigh in on the issue, leaving it up to you to solve. Some at Court argue for immediate death, or at very least imprisonment of the offenders. Others argue for leniency and widespread economic reform, even if it means potentially decreasing the revenue stream. What will you do about this growing problem?

-Your efforts to attract british businesses to the Ottoman Empire, under turkish ownership, appear to be going very well. The possibilities for future commercial expansion have been made clear to your subjects. There is some pushback though, from conservative elements of society and small landholders, who have already seen your efforts to improve the military. They resent the prospect of change and their traditional forms of industry being made obsolete in the name of "progress". This sentiment has been expressed strongest in Anatolia, Iraq, and Egypt, where small-scale agriculture has been the way of the land for centuries. Some have proposed agreeing to limit the modernization of the Ottoman economy, others that those upset should be forced to adapt to a changing world.

Kingdom of Sweden:

-Your efforts to increase the influence of the Royalists in the Riksdag has been somewhat successful. While there have been several members who have switched and begun advocating your cause, they remain in the minority and the Riksdag remains strong. Your efforts to back the Caps may have backfired because many members of that group, eager to distance themselves from you, have reaffirmed their commitment to a constitutional monarchy, though they have been happy with increasing ties with France. Your wife remains adamant that decisive royalist action is necessary before Sweden gets involved deeper in the unfolding tensions in Europe, though the civil war in Poland may be seen as a cautionary example of what could happen if it is not executed properly. What will you do about domestic politics?

-Your survey of the land in the Kingdom seems to have been a wise move, with numerous areas of arable land found to by lying fallow. There are several problems with this however, including the fact that much of that fallow land is either held by the nobility or the clergy. Enlightenment thinkers in Sweden advocate seizing it and distributing it to the common people, though this could poison potential support for royalism among the two groups who could be most influential in seeing it expanded. Still, they would counter it presents the opportunity for population and economic growth which Sweden could reap the benefits of for many years to come. Another issue is your active attempts to shift from communal farming to divided lands. Many in small villages highly resent being forced out of their way of life for centuries in the name of "progress" and there are some magistrates who fear revolt by the peasants if this policy is pursued too actively. What is to be done?

-Your kingdom remains one of the few in Europe without any colonial holdings. Though Sweden once possessed territory in the colony of New Jersey, now there is very little of that long-dead colonial history. With the rise of mercantilist doctrines there have been growing calls for Sweden to look for new sources of raw goods and resources, particularly in the Caribbean, Africa, and the East Indies. Others see this as a potential distraction and a waste of Swedish time and money. What strategy will you pursue? Will the Swedes look abroad for more goods or reinvest her gold within her existing holdings?

Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania:

-It is war! While your attempt to overthrow the Sejm initially seemed successful, there has been tremendous backlash and you now must fight for the new order you have declared. Two large sections of the nation have declared for the Sejm and some fear unless decisive action is taken, more areas could follow. One potential solution is inviting large numbers of your Saxon troops to help, though this risks leaving Saxony vulnerable to the omnipresent Prussian threat of invasion. Others urge you to involve your new allies in Austria and Russia, though this too risks territory loss if powers refuse to return their "liberated" lands after the rebellion is crushed. Still a third faction demands you use Polish troops to solve a Polish problem, potentially making your rule more stable after the civil war. What will you do King Augustus?

-There has been a mysterious problem in the Kingdom, especially on cities in the west. It appears some other nation has taken advantage of the rough situation and flooded the economy with fake and counterfeit coins bearing your image. Undoubtedly this "inflation" is the result of the meddling of one of the other neighboring major powers in the region, though your investigators have been unable to determine which one (merely deducing that it is NOT the Russians). This has frustrated attempts to improve the economy in regions unaffected in the Father's War.  How will you counter this economic sabotage or even determine who is responsible?

-What military action will you take now that the rebels have established armies? Though the nobility's forces are of lesser quality than the standing military, they get stronger by the day due to the drilling practices in rebel camps being undertaken by deserter officers and soldiers. While the Polish army in Galicia appears to be the slightly larger of the two rebel forces (12,000 compared to 11,000 in Lithuania), some insist that the Lithuanians be attacked first in order to discourage either Sweden, Prussia, or Russia from seeing an opportunity along the exposed Baltic shores. Where will your men go? Will you raise more to deal with the new threat?

Kingdom of Portugal:

-King Joseph, your Kingdom has literally been shaken over the past year. In 1755 the horrific Lisbon Earthquake occurred, devastating the largest city in your empire and causing the deaths of thousands of your subjects. At least 30% of your entire economy was wrecked within the span of an entire day due to the extensive damage. Clearly decisive action is required to get Portugal back on its feet. Many are urging you to reach out to other powers for economic aid in this dire time for your dominion, others argue Brazil should be exploited in order to rebuild the Capitol. What is to be done?

-Portugal and Great Britain have an alliance going back to the 15th Century, with an unbroken friendship continuing from that point in time up until the present. With Britain's interests across the globe now under threat by the French, the British ambassadors to Lisbon are urging Portugal to take an active an vocal role at the side of her historical ally. Now that Spain appears to have formed an agreement with the British over the French, it appears the risk on land to your Kingdom is minimal, though the Portuguese navy and trade network would be vulnerable in any potential conflict. Will you back the British or retreat inwards during these trying times for Portugal?

-Your royal court is highly divided over the matter of religion. Though you, your family, and all your ministers are staunch Catholics, the issue of the Jesuits is roiling the government. The Marquis of Pombal, your close friend and favorite, has advocated for expelling the Jesuits from Portugal and seizing all of their property for the crown (seeing it as a way to raise money following the horrendous disaster last year). He bases his opinion off of conspiracies reportedly swirling through the courts of Europe as well as the actions of the Jesuits in your colony of Brazil. Your daughter and heir Maria, on the other hand, is a staunch defender of the Jesuits in Portugal and their interests. Though it may seem like a minor issue, your daughter and friend have taken to openly feuding and backing their respective sides in this contentious debate.

[Spamage]

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway:

-King Frederick, your reign thus far has seen great strides forward for Denmark-Norway. The economy appears to be improving, scientific discoveries are on the rise, and the people are largely content with your absolute rule, unlike in neighboring Sweden. With this domestic bliss, there are many urging you to take a side in the European web of alliances. Considering Denmark's historical enmity with Sweden, as well as your former marriage with the late Princess Louise, there is a sizeable faction at Court that is encouraging an alliance with Britain and Prussia. This move is not without risks though, with the Swedish army larger than your own and the Danes being separated from the Norwegians by water leaves the northern region vulnerable to attack. What diplomatic actions will you take at this trying time?

-Count Adam Gottlob Moltke, a close advisor and friend of yours, has been recently appointed Lord Chamberlain. Although he has largely shown decisive loyalty to your royal person, there are some at Court who see him as ruling far more actively than you do, a topic of great embarrassment in an absolute monarchy. His opponents are calling for him to be removed from office and for you to take on direct, day-to-day management of the Crown's affairs, even if it means you will not be as capable and will be forced to sift through tedious business. Others urge you to let the situation continue as is, arguing that the best rulers are those who delegate responsibilities. How will you handle this situation and repair your image as a strong King for your people?

-The Danish East India company has been lucrative for your government in the past, providing high profits through the sale of tea and other items in the markets of Europe. With the growing dominance of the Dutch and British East India Companies, there are many who fear it will be left behind, and the margin of profit is already decreasing. Advocates for the company urge you to expand its powers and perhaps, along the lines of the Dutch, to use it to expand your colonial empire. Though you do possess colonies in the new world, tiny islands in the Caribbean, both Africa and Asia remain open to potential European expansion. This could backfire however, and risk distracting your people and soldiers at a time when they are needed closer to home. What will you do?


Armies & Locations

Kingdom of Prussia
20,000 Army of the West
20,000 Army of Silesia
20,000 Army of the East
25,000 Army of Prussia
15,000 Army of Berlin
20,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 30,000 more)

Kingdom of France
83,500 men raised and mobile (must be divided into armies)
40,000 men garrisoned
10,000 Army of Quebec
18,000 Army & Garrison of Louisiana + Ohio
5,000 Army & Garrison of India
(Can raise 84,000 more)

Kingdom of Great Britain
35,000 Garrison of Britain
35,000 Army of Hanover
22,000 Army & Garrison of the 13 Colonies
14,300 Army of Ohio
3,000 Army & Garrison of India
(Can raise 40,000 more)

Kingdom of Sweden
40,000 men raised and mobile
10,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 20,000 more)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway
35,000 men raised and mobile
8,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 20,000 more)

Kingdom of Portugal
20,000 men raised and mobile
10,000 men garrisoned
7,000 Army of Brazil
(Can raise 15,000 more)

Kingdom of Spain
60,000 men raised and mobile
25,000 men garrisoned
15,000 Army & Garrison of New Spain
10,000 Army & Garrison of South America
2,000 Army & Garrison of the Philippines
(can raise 30,000 more)

Russian Empire
130,000 men raised and mobile (must be divided into armies)
50,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 80,000 more)

Archduchy of Austria
105,000 men raised and mobile (must be divided into armies)
35,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 55,000 more)

United Provinces of the Netherlands
40,000 men raised and mobile
10,000 men garrisoned
2,000 men Army & Garrison of Dutch East Indies
1,000 men Army & Garrison of Cape Colony
(can raise 20,000 more)

Ottoman Empire
100,000 men raised and mobile (must be divided into armies)
35,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 60,000 more)

Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania
30,000 men raised and mobile
20,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 45,000 more)

Navies of the World
Kingdom of Great Britain
171 Ships of the Line
125 Frigates

Kingdom of France
107 Ships of the Line
51 Frigates

United Provinces of the Netherlands
57 Ships of the Line
43 Frigates

Kingdom of Spain
55 Ships of the Line
26 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
35 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

Russian Empire
34 Ships of the Line
10 Frigates

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway
22 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

Kingdom of Sweden
24 Ships of the Line
12 Frigates

Ottoman Empire
20 Ships of the Line
8 Frigates

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

- While the Ottoman Empire is intending to drawn into European conflicts that does not concern us, let it be no misunderstanding the Sublime Porte is not embracing and will not embrace a foolish policy of isolation. We are looking forward to forge closer ties with European powers based on mutual interests and equality.

- Every Ottoman subject, from the mightiest of Pashas to the lowliest of peasants can take his grievances directly to his Sacred and Imperial Majesty, who is the supreme judge of the land. We are not like European counties, where petitioning to the monarch is frequently impossible due to hierarchical barriers. In contrast to rigid class order of Europe, it was not uncommon for a common slave to rise to the Grand Vizier and other high positions of responsibility, and it will not change under this Sultan.

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty is open to listen directly from those contesting jizya as long, as His supreme authority is not being defied. Until the issue is weighed upon, refusing to honor the tax is treason, mutiny and trolling, and shall be dealt with accordingly (OK, guys, I'm open to listen to your arguments, but don't put me in the position where I can't do anything but to show force. I'll chop off some unimportant heads to placate my Pashas, but nothing off the table.)

- Fellahs of Anatolia, Iraq and Egypt need no fear expanding of the Ottoman commercial businesses is treathening their place in society. One does not rule out the other.

[Lumine]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

x Frederick II, King in Prussia

[GoTfan]

Proclamation from the Netherlands

Again, to no one's surprise, peace does not seem to be on the agenda of France. Therefore, with the use use of executive power granted to me by the office of Stadtholder, I hereby decree that France and her territories, from this point on, are blacklisted. Dutch nationals are forbidden to trade with France on pain of imprisonment.

Anne, Princess Royal, Princess of Orange and Regent of the Netherlands

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Remarks from the Sublime Porte:

It's unfortunate there are voices suggesting the Ottoman Empire is staying behind in the "age of enlightenment". Sentiments of concerns are valid and His Sacred and Imperial Majesty shall look into challenges, but wasn't Suleiman the Lawgiver, among many others, an early enlightened despot himself? Wasn't the Ottoman Empire a state where one could rise from the bottom to the top on his merits, regardless of religion? Just saying.

We can learn from Europe, but Europe can and been learning from us as well for centuries.

[YPestis25]

From His Royal Majesty, Adolf Fredrick, King of Sweden:

My court has been presented with dangerous and provocative information regarding Prussian warmongering and ambition on our own borders. Prussia's clear violation of the good faith of diplomatic negotiations is so brazen and contemptible that I will be forced to withdraw my support for the planned summit in Hanover that had been discussed. And, while I will not be releasing Prussia's actions to the public at this time, let it be known that they are a nation not to be trusted.

Best,
Adolf Fredrick, King of Sweden

[Dereich]

Statement from Lisbon

His Majesty wants it known and understood that despite recent troubling events in some European courts Portugal remains happily in a state of international peace and tranquility, focused entirely on the well being of His Majesty's subjects. We encourage all French or Dutch traders disadvantaged by recent policy changes to consider doing business through Portuguese ports where we will happily accommodate you in the spirit of Christian Brotherhood without fear of reprisal.

Joseph Braganza, King of Portugal

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

From His Royal Majesty, Adolf Fredrick, King of Sweden:

My court has been presented with dangerous and provocative information regarding Prussian warmongering and ambition on our own borders. Prussia's clear violation of the good faith of diplomatic negotiations is so brazen and contemptible that I will be forced to withdraw my support for the planned summit in Hanover that had been discussed. And, while I will not be releasing Prussia's actions to the public at this time, let it be known that they are a nation not to be trusted.

Best,
Adolf Fredrick, King of Sweden

Statement from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth:

While my court is deeply saddened to hear of this most unfortunate development, we believe that it would be a disaster for a great many European nations if the Hanover summit fell through before peace negotiations even began.  For this reason, Poland-Lithuania would be willing to send diplomats to Hanover to ensure that Sweden's disappointing withdrawal from the aforementioned summit does not derail the negotiations.  We believe a world war is not in any nation's interest, least of all during such times as those we live in today.  It is my sincere hope that cooler heads will prevail and that all other participants will publicly reaffirm their commitment to seeing the Hanover peace summit move forward despite this unfortunate setback.

Augustus, third of his name, King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Having taken no side in the escalating European conflict, the Sublime Porte wishes to reiterate all of the counties involved will be treated equally in matter of commerce.

However, with Christian powers seemingly unable to find a common ground, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty wishes to announce the Ottoman Empire is available as a mediating part if requested.

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty is likewise saddened with the deteriorating situation in Poland-Lithuania. Both our countries enjoyed peaceful and fruitful relations since concluding a permanent peace in 1683. The Sublime Porte will not recognize any unlawful spoils if Poland-Lithuania are to be attacked or coerced with neighbouring powers.


Last but not least, Portugal, why u dont reply to me?