Encore of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[Dereich]

VERY ORIGINAL PACT, DO NOT STEAL:

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X Joseph II Hapsburg

[YPestis25]

Statement from Stockholm Palace

And tell me, why should the rulers of Europe trust a man who violated a non-aggression pact the moment it was signed, and practically disregarded the betrothal intended to solidify that pact? The so called "Emperor" Paul cares nothing for European peace if it obstructs his twisted view of Russian glory.

The Russian Tsar plunged Europe into war without a second thought, and he has the gall to accuse the Kingdoms of Prussia and Scandinavia of fomenting this war? Clearly Paul has lost his senses, his wit and his ability to properly rule.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The ill-bred bastard Saltykov is not a smart man, which can come as a surprise, given his mother might've been an infamous harlot and usurper, but a clever harlot nonetheless. He essentially admitted he'd been manipulated by Emperor Joseph (certainly a clever man) into doing his dirty work, while Vienna would wait to collect the fruits without having to actually sacrifice their men and gold. A message of dubious authenticity was enough for Saltykov to accomodate his Austrian master with such a rush he lost his stockings along the way. He shall lose much more, escept for his honor he never had in first place.

It would be insulting to the great nation of Russia to address the bastard usurper, so we thereby inform all levelheaded Russian officials the Sublime Porte has no interest in making gains on Russia's expense in a war that couldn't possibly be won against such a wide and determined coalition. If the attack is stopped, we shall consider returning to the status quo antabellum. If not, we shall have no choice but to repel their assault and chase them all the way to Kiev. The choice is yours and history shall record the Sultan's magnanimous patience in face of what can only be described as devilish dishonesty.

[Donerail]

VERY ORIGINAL PACT, DO NOT STEAL:

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X Joseph II Hapsburg

x Tadeusz Kościuszko

[Lumine]

It would appear there is very little the unworthy maniac sitting on the throne at St. Petersburg will not do in order to propagate his lies and deceit, going as far as to invent new justifications for a war of agression which is just a blatant grab for territory and power.

All we have to follow the twisted reasoning of Saltykov the Lesser is the false honor and word he already gave to the Kingdom of Scandinavia only to break it without any regard for the consecuences, and so there is simply no reason for any reasonable monarch or nation in Europe to give any credibility to desperate words that seek to cleanse the stench of blood from this man. We certainly will not waste our time giving any credibility to these lies.

As for his rather ridiculous comments regarding the Kingdom of Portugal, I may as well remind him that such event was a limited, brief and meritable intervention with a credible justification, one that was supported by monarchs such as His Majesty the King of France himself. Is Saltykov the Lesser so bold, so brash that he would openly call His Majesty a liar right to the face of his people and Europe as a whole? We challenge him to repeat these claims, for denying the truth behind an aggressive plot on behalf of the Kingdom of Portugal is to contest the honesty and honor of the King of France and several other prominent and respected monarchs and states.

And as for his rather laughable attempts at comparison, we can only state that we refuse to be compared to a maniac launching all of Europe into war because of his own bloodthristy instincts. If he wants to compare himself to something else, his only alternative would be to seek a suitable companion at an asylum for lunatics.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Poland-Lithuania are clearly constructive force in Europe, taking their desire for neutrality seriously. The Sultan respects this and applaud.

[DKrol]

Statement from Yuanming Yuan

His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, has announced in his divine wisdom a change in policy. For too long, the unruly men acting under the Russian banner have been occupying land belonging to the Chinese sovereign. These lands have been mismanaged, the people abused, and the rule of law forgotten. No longer will such poor respect be allowed. His Imperial Majesty has announced a great land reclamation programme has begun, to bring all Chinese lands back under Chinese land. This has already been seen with the successful campaigns in Joseon, Nepal, and Tibet. Soon, the men of Moscow will kowtow to His Imperial Majesty as all men are bound to.

[Spamage]

1784 Military Update

War of the Bavarian Succession
Kingdom of Prussia, Electorate of the Palatine, Ottoman Empire, Kingdom of Scandinavia, Crimean Khanate, German League, Qing Dynasty Vs. Archduchy of Austria, Kingdom of Bavaria, Russian Empire

Summary: Despite both sides attempting to push for peace, at least seeming to indicate they were open to peace, the dispute over Bavaria opened with bloody fighting around the Continent. Appeals to nationalism, loyalty to the Crown, and historical rivalries all played a role as battles raged from the forests of Finland to the shores of the Danube. Neither side has emerged with an advantage during the tumultuous year of 1784.

Austrian Invasion of Corsica: Slight Austrian Victory

Just a year ago it would have seemed absurd for Frederick William’s authority in Corsica to be challenged. His treatment of the priests, while intended to be gentle, pushed to radicals into flight towards the Corsican interior rather than face exile or be forced to recant their views. Some went as far to nickname him Frederick William “the Priest-Hater”. When an Austrian force, modest in size, landed on the island, the priests urged support for the invaders. The island has been torn into a civil war. Frederick William remains beloved by half the people and despised by the other portion, his rule becoming polarizing. In the chaos the Austrians have largely gained the allegiance of the interior, the region always the most skeptical of Protestant Hohenzollern rule. Ajaccio and the major settlements remain firmly Prussian. Only 1785 can determine who will control this island.

Battle of Belgrade: Major Russian/Serbian Victory

Preaching the glory of pan-Slavinism, the wretchedness of Ottoman tyranny, and the upcoming four-hundredth anniversary of the Ottoman invasion of Serbia, the Russian Army of the West crossed the Danube, laying siege to Belgrade. It was a short siege. Immediate Ottoman aid was not forthcoming due to the distraction of border raids and counter raids against the Austrians in Bosnia. Centuries of resentment had been building in the region and the Serbs of the city overthrew their oppressors in bloody house-to-house fighting. After two weeks under Russian cannon fire, the gates were opened. Before any major Ottoman resistance could be organized, much of the countryside joined the city in rebellion. Peasants have burned the Ottoman flag, calling for a new Serbia to be organized. The Russians now sit in Belgrade, a major bridgehead on the Ottoman side of the Danube secured.

Battle of Olomouc: Stalemate

The Prussians attempted to employ trickery to distract the Austrians from their true plans. It did not entirely work, with the Habsburgs having set up a defensive position on the route from Lower Silesia into Bohemia. Even so, it took them time to get organized during which the Prussians launched a series of raids and seized a fair portion of Moravia. The two armies came face-to-face at Olmouc. Though the Prussians enjoyed a sizeable numerical advantage, the Austrians enjoyed being in the defensive position, standing in between the Prussian army and their objectives. Part of the Prussian problem was the absence of the Russians, who they had assumed could be manipulated before the main battle. The Battle of Olmouc lasted all day, the bloodshed harkening back to the worst days of the Wars of the Grand Coalitions. Prussia took the city, forcing the Austrians to retreat towards the west, but they did so at a heavy cost. In a reminder of the increasing efficiency of warfare, they took heavy casualties. Even so, the way into the remainder of Moravia and perhaps the rest of the Habsburg realm could be opened with the right move.

Prussian Invasion of the Sudetenland: Major Prussian Victory

With the Russian evacuation of Bohemia and the main Austrian army distracted by events in Moravia, the Prussian reserve army invaded the Sudetenland, a territory briefly ruled by Frederick II. The Austrian garrisons were overwhelmed by the surprise arrival and were overpowered. The army then continued onto Prague, attempting to occupy the historic city. While there was enough of an advanced warning to close the gates, the Prussians have put it under siege and once again threaten one of the constituent realms of the Habsburg Monarchy

Prussian Raids into Hungary: Decisive Austrian Victory

Upon arriving in Moravia, the Prussian Royal Army dispatched forces to raid Hungary, hoping to distract the Austrians. The Habsburgs were prepared, having some alternate source of information. The Prussian raiders were met at the border, surrounded, and slaughtered. The survivors were captured, having failed in their attempt to sow chaos in the Magyar homeland.

Prussian Raids into Tyrol: Decisive Austrian Victory

A small band of Swiss mercenaries was likewise detached to raid towards the Austrian heartland. In a rare Prussian miscalculation, these cavalry regiments had a miserable time attempting reach Vienna over the mountainous terrain. Local Austrian garrisons easily beat the exhausted soldiers by the time they were nearing Steiermark.

War in Crimea: Major Russian Victory

The Ottoman-Crimean alliance remained on the defensive in 1784. This time nearly the entire peninsula of Crimea was seized following a series of skirmishes. The Khan of Crimea was captured and brutally murdered by vengeful Russian soldiers while the remaining Ottoman soldiers have been forced into the walls of Sebastopol and Kerch. Ottoman holdings north of Georgia were also seized in the fighting. This is a major regional turning point. For the first time, perhaps ever, there are no major nomadic independent realms on the Steppe. Furthermore, Ottoman influence here is damaged, perhaps irreparably. Many are already calling for the men here to withdraw and be sent to another front.

Battle of Ansbach: Major Austrian Victory

The Austrians sent a light force to take the Palatine but received word of a massive combined German League-Swiss Mercenary Army. Thus, following orders, they reconvened with the larger Austrian Army of Bavaria. In the Battle of Ansbach the two large armies did battle, the largest engagement of the year. Despite the skill of the Duke of Brunswick, the Austrians managed to seize the day, forcing him, the Palatinate soldiers, and the Swiss mercenaries south towards Stuttgart. The main Austrian army quickly occupied northern Wurttemberg and garrisoned it before returning west while the invasion of the Palatine commenced.

Invasion of the Palatine: Major Austrian Victory

Fresh off of their victory in Ansbach, the Austrians attacked the Palatine. Charles Theodore fled his realm when it was clear his men were far outnumbered. Mannheim, the capital, fell to the Habsburgs as the locals looked on in horror. The move reminded many of the Thirty Years War, the last time the Habsburgs had invaded their homeland. The entire principality has been seized, in a major blow to the would-be King of Bavaria’s authority, but the tensions are high. It is only the number of Austrian soldiers that is keeping the peace.

Naval Battle of the Baltic: Decisive Scandinavian Victory

Determined to restore Scandinavian authority in the Baltic, and with the support of their allies, the Scandinavian fleet engaged the Russians on the open sea, just south of Finland. Both sides were employing their entire fleets, underscoring how crucial of a moment it was. It was a naval battle that may only occur once in a generation. The Swedes swept the Russians into a jumbled mess before launching a series of fire ships at the Russian vessels. Hundreds of Russian sailors drowned as the fleet based in St. Petersburg was severely mauled, some wondering if it can ever recover. While a contingent managed to flee the horrors, there is now no question who will control the waters of the Baltic for the next few years.

Raid on St. Petersburg: Decisive Scandinavian Victory

The victory at sea was only a prelude to something more sinister though. The path was clear towards St. Petersburg, the Scandinavians launching a small raid on the Russian capitol. Paul and his Court managed to flee the city just hours ahead of the Scandinavian arrival, citizens forming a guard around their sovereign as he moved towards Moscow. The soldiers, mostly Swedes, ransacked the city in front of the horrified inhabitants. After raiding storehouses and stockades they departed, the navy bombarding the city while the soldiers set fires. Peter the Great’s finest achievement has been severely damaged. Indeed, Russia’s finest port has been greatly damaged. As survivors survey the wreckage, there is little question that a great gem has been lost.

Battle of Viborg: Decisive Russian Victory

A second Swedish army was organized to land at Viborg and cut off the Russians if they marched on Helsinki. There was confusion though, and the Scandinavian commanders would be taught a tough lesson about separating soldiers. The Russians, eliciting the landing by feinting an attack towards Helsinki, turned and mauled the smaller Scandinavia force. In a rare moment of irony, it was the Scandinavians who had their backs on St. Petersburg and the Russians with their back on Stockholm at the Battle of Viborg. Easily able to defeat the Swedes here, the survivors have fled north while the Russians again eye Helsinki hungrily.

Qing Invasion of Chita: Slight Qing Victory

The Russians in the Far East were surprised by the arrival of the Chinese, who quickly occupied local territory under the reasoning that they were reclaiming it. Indeed, the limited garrisons have been easily overwhelmed, though that is not to say it is smooth sailing for the Chinese. The logistical issues have been a nightmare, only exacerbated by the presence of the Emperor and his entourage. Poor supply lines have meant that disease, starvation, and exposure have been the biggest enemies of the Chinese here, not necessarily the Russians.


Spanish-Portuguese War
Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of the Netherlands Vs. Kingdom of Portugal

War in Hispaniola: Decisive Spanish-Dutch Victory

The last embers of the loyalist slave army have been crushed following increased cooperation between the large Spanish army and the Dutch expeditionary force. As it currently stands with the last of the slave leaders captured, the island is three-quarters Spanish and a quarter Dutch. Despite hardly looking possible several years ago, slavery has been forced back on the rebellious Portuguese colony.

Braganza Landings in Oporto: Major Spanish Victory

The attempt by some loyalists to land in Northern Portugal failed after locals tipped off the Spanish. Joseph II’s men, likely sent ahead of a larger army, have been captured by the Spanish Army garrisoning the area before any solid action could be taken. With their capture, the last active pro-Braganzan Army in Portugal has been defeated. Now only the Army of Exiles remains in Britain.

Sino-Korean War, Sino-Nepalese War
Qing Dynasty Vs. Joseon Dynasty, Shah Dynasty

Battle of the Duman River: Major Korean Victory

The Qianlong Emperor decided to divide his forces, launching two campaigns against the Joseon. In the Northeast, a sizeable force under the command of Yongyan, one of the Emperor’s sons, sought to cross into Korea. In the middle of crossing, the Koreans launched a massive attack, catching the Chinese in a confused state and inflicting a major defeat. Thousands of Chinese were killed in the fighting, the death toll only rising as desperate soldiers sough to ford back across the water and were weighted down by armor and supplies. The shattered half of the Eastern Army has limped back into Manchuria. Perhaps most humiliatingly of all has been the death of Prince Yongyan, a development that caused his father great grief. Can the situation be saved?

Chinese Invasion of Amnok: Major Chinese Victory

With the bulk of the Korean forces concentrated on shattering half of the Chinese invasion force, General Fuk’anggan was able to operate largely freely. He fulfilled most of his objectives before word reached him of the defeat of the other Chinese force in the north. He now sits in Korea alone, possessing a large force but in highly hostile territory.


Persian-Durrani War

Durrani Invasion of the Oxus: Major Durrani Victory

With the Persians concentrating their efforts on seizing the city of Peshawar, the Durrani were easily able to launch a lightning campaign to the north. The Oxus River was quickly captured as the local Persians were caught off guard.

Persian Assault on Peshawar: Slight Persian Victory

The main focus of the war for both sides was invasion of the Durrani Empire by the Safavid army. Ismail III ordered a huge invasion, but the region is not called the “graveyard of Empires” for nothing. Failing to reach Peshawar due to poor supply lines and constant raids, the Persians did battle with the smaller Durrani force at Qambar. Although they carried the day, taking the settlement and expelling the Durrani, there is still much work to be done if the Empire is to be defeated.

[Spamage]

News 1784

Eastern Europe Ablaze
War Returns, With a Vengeance

    Austria and Prussia have returned to their usual pastime, fighting each other. Each power scored a major win, Austria by knocking out the Palatine and the Prussians with their move against Prague. In Finland the Russians beat back a reinforcing Scandinavian Army and now sit between two smaller armies that are larger than the Russian force if combined. In Crimea, Suvorov continued to prove his worth, putting an end to the historic khanate and threatening Russian rule.
    Despite the bloody fighting raging in the German states and Bohemia, the most followed development in the War of the Bavarian Succession was the surprise rising of the Serbians in Belgrade. Emboldened by Russian aid, they seek to tear down Ottoman influence in the Balkans after four centuries. The rebels crowned Emperor Paul’s younger son, a boy of nine, as King of the Serbs in absentia, though whether the Russian Emperor will acquiesce to this action remains to be seen. Whatever the case, as the fighting spread throughout the region there are many Ottoman officials who have begun to eye other areas of the Empire with worry. In particular there are fears in Istanbul that Bulgaria and Bosnia could follow the Serbs into revolution, not to mention Greece, which has been surprisingly quiet.
    The general outlook in Europe is one of quiet discontent. The worst winter in memory has passed, with thousands dying in famine despite the best attempts to alleviate the suffering, and conflicts continue to spiral out of control.

CRISIS IN ITALY
Pope Adrian VII is DEAD, Rome and Naples Invaded by Sardinia and Zealous Rebels

The war in the north, fighting in North Africa, and harsh words with Persia has not stopped the Ottomans from moving forward with what could be one of the world's greatest marvels, a canal connecting the Red and Mediterranean Seas. Indeed, the Sultan has been praised for his innovative idea and construction has begun in the arid region. This project, if completed, would make trade between Asia and Europe far easier than at present and could limit the need for a whole journey around Africa by sea. While some Prussians have grumbled that this could limit the importance of New Prussia, Europe as a whole is watching the development here very closely. It is estimated it will be several years before the canal can be opened and in the meantime, trade will continue on its traditional routes.

[GoTfan]

Let us be clear.

We unequivocally condemn the actions of Sardinia-Piedmont. Their murder of the Pope and illegal war against Naples has shown them for what they are: bloodthirsty radicals who wish for nothing but murder and destruction.

We hereby sever all diplomatic and economic ties with Sardinia-Piedmont

[ASPN]

The Kingdom of Quebec also condemns the actions of Sardinia-Piedmont. The murder of his holiness, and rush to set a pope of your own in Rome is greatly concerning and threatens the legitimacy of the Holy See.

On a more positive note. Quebec formally recognizes both the Republic of Louisiana and Brazil. We look forward to establishing friendly ties with both.

[GoTfan]

Venice extends formal recognition to the Kingdom of Quebec, and asks to establish an embassy.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

In his care for peace, His Scared and Imperial Majesty the Sultan was refraining from joining military action against Austria, stressing, to the very last moment, there is still a possibility for a diplomatic settlement.

His efforts were meet with unparallel infamy and treachery, as the Austrians not only allowed Russian forces to use their territory to launch an attack against the Sultan's realm, but also joined in, without even declaring war, as it is customary among civilized people. A self-styled "enlightened" Emperor Joseph showed his true face as a glorified thief and backstabber.

The whole of Europe clearly sees who's the aggressor and who's merely defending his people.

The battle of Crimea has been lost, but the war shall continue until its inevitable conclusion, as the aggressors are defeated. No inch of the Ottoman soil shall be conceded under any circumstances. The savage murder of the Khan plainly shows us a level of barbarianism we're facing against.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Han, Sovereign of The Sublime House of Osman, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Commander of the Faithful and Successor of the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe, Custodian of the Holy Cities of Mecca, Medina and Kouds, Emperor of Rome, Padishah of The Three Cities of Istanbul, Edirne and Bursa etc. etc., do thereby proclaims:


We are shocked beyond words at the death of His Holiness the Pope. No matter what our previous disagreements might've been, the Pope was a true man of God and wise and just ruler for his flock. Instead he'd been savagely killed by the very people who proclaimed themselves "men of God". No sovereign and no religious leader can ignore this.

We are joining our Venetian friends in severing all ties with Sardinia-Piedmont.   

[windjammer]

The King of France once again calls for the ending of the conflicts in Europe.

[Donerail]

The Polish-Lithuanian Republic gladly recognizes the Republics of Brazil and Louisiana, and commends the flourishing of republican thought in the New World. We also request to establish an embassy to the Kingdom of Quebec.

[Wikipedia delenda est]

VERY ORIGINAL PACT, DO NOT STEAL:

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X Joseph II Hapsburg

x Tadeusz Kościuszko

x Emperor Paul

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The King of France once again calls for the ending of the conflicts in Europe.

We view the King of France as a suitable mediator.

[Dereich]

The King of France once again calls for the ending of the conflicts in Europe.

We view the King of France as a suitable mediator.

As do we, if there is any mediating to be done.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The King of France once again calls for the ending of the conflicts in Europe.

We view the King of France as a suitable mediator.

As do we, if there is any mediating to be done.

If only the Emperor shows genuine good will, there sure is.

[Lumine]

We would consider His Majesty the King of France a suitable mediator as well, much like His Majesty the King of Great Britain and His Serenity the Doge of Venice. It shall not be Prussia who stands in the way of peace or proper mediation if good will is shown.

[YPestis25]

As my allies have stated, I am willing to entertain the King of France's proposal and enter into negotiations. It is imperative that this unnecessary war is brought to a speedy conclusion before more lives are lost.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

A Proclamation:


His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Han, Sovereign of The Sublime House of Osman, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Commander of the Faithful and Successor of the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe, Custodian of the Holy Cities of Mecca, Medina and Kouds, Emperor of Rome, Padishah of The Three Cities of Istanbul, Edirne and Bursa etc. etc., deeply mourns over each and all brave Ottoman and Crimean soldiers who gave their lives in defense of Crimea. Tonight they dine in Paradise. The Sultan would rather die a thousand times a death that befall on his faithful ally, the Khan, murdered by a foreign mob of unwashed pigs, who smells like old donkeys, than let their heroic deaths be in vain.

In his abundant, but not unlimited, patience and desire for peace, even with unwashed pigs, the Sultan invited His Majesty the King of France to try the role of an impartial mediator. As Allah is our witness, the Most Exalted Ottoman State tried every avenue of restoring just peace, and if the last resorts fails, Allah forbids, our Holy Jihad shall be continued until our enemies are annihilated by the fire and fury of the Faithful. If our enemies persists, they shall share the humiliating fate of the false "Sultan" in Tripoli.

BUT no war will distract the Sultan's desire and efforts for the betterment of his realm and his subject's welfare. In cooperation with out Prussian and Venetian friends we've already astonishing the whole world with constructing historic man-made waterway in Suez. And the reforms won't be limited to such projects.

It has been long a sacred custom that even the humblest of His Sacred and Imperial Majesty's subject shall be free to bring his grievances or petitions before him. Therefore, he has decided to create the Sultan's Common Council to inform and advise him about people's needs and challenges. In coming weeks, the Sultan shall appoint representatives of various trades, learning institutions, religious communities etc. to form said body to assemble before him and advise from all sides and perspecives.

[GoTfan]

While Venice would be willing to accept mediation, we have two basic demands that must be fulfilled.

1) Sardinia acknowledges the most recent Papal Conclave as corrupted

2) That all Sardninian forces leave Naples without delay

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

"I can only assume that Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli lost his wits when Lucifer came into him.  While he hath turned his back upon his brothers in Christ for 30 silver pieces, even a creature as low as this modern-day Judas Iscariot is not beneath our Lord's love if he will only accept Christ into his heart as his Lord and Savior and follow the path He hath provided for us.  Thus, I shall pray that Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli shall be healed in mind and spirit; despicable heretic though he may be." - Pietro Verri