Encore of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[Lumine]

His Majesty King Frederick William II expresses his keen interest in the reorganization of the Prussian colonies following the Treaty of Lisbon, and reiterates his intention to pursue a series of reforms aimed at ensuring an efficient, fair and capable administration for current and new territories.

It has been decided, however, that the Kingdom of Denmark is to be fairly rewarded over its continued and valuable friendship and loyalty to the German League. As a result of this, and in the context of our efforts to aid our ally Denmark in the reconstruction of its colonial empire we announce the new acquired islands of Mauritius are hereby ceded to the Kingdom of Denmark. We salute our old ally on their return to the seas.

Lastly, His Majesty would like to express his sense of gratitude towards His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China over his selection of the Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica as an honored trading partner. We have much hopes placed in the mutual exchanges of trade and the multiple economic opportunities this will bring not only to our Kingdom but to Europe as well. As a reward for the continued and faithful membership of all member states of the German League, we will ensure merchandise and goods arriving from the distant Empire in the east reach our allies at lower prices than the rest of Europe by courtesy of our Kingdom.

The Sino-Prussian Economic Treaty of 1783

1. The Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica is recognized as the honored trading partner of the Qing dynasty.

2. The only port ships of Prussian or Corsican origin will be allowed to dock in is Shanghai, in the Yangtze River Delta. If any ship of Prussian or Corsican origin attempts to dock and remove cargo at any other port, this treaty will be null and void.

3. Prussian and Corsican merchants will remove their cargo from their ships, and it will then be inspected by Chinese officials to ensure no illicit materials are being brought into China. Once approved by inspectors, the goods will be sold by Chinese merchants across the country on behalf of the Prussian merchants.

4. Of the income from the sale of Prussian or Corsican goods, 50% will be returned to the Prussian merchants. 25% will be given to the Chinese merchants and 25% will be taken in as a tax on the imported goods.

5. No Prussian or Corsican merchant or sailor will be allowed to travel outside of the city of Shanghai without a special grant of movement from the Viceroy of Liangjiang. Any merchant or sailor found to have traveled outside of Shanghair without a grant of movement will be subject to immediate execution.

6. If, after five years, there have been no incidents of alarm or causes for concern, as determined by His Imperial Majesty Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, the port of Guangzhou will be opened to Prussian and Corsican merchants under the same terms described above.

x Frederick William II, King of Prussia and Corsica.

[GoTfan]

Piedmontese-Venetian Treaty of Alliance

1) Sardinia and Venice will open embassies in each other's nations

2) Both nations will lower tariffs on trade.

3) Both nations agree to come to each other's defence in the event that one is the victim of foreign aggression.

x Doge Gian Carli.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Piedmontese-Venetian Treaty of Alliance

1) Sardinia and Venice will open embassies in each other's nations

2) Both nations will lower tariffs on trade.

3) Both nations agree to come to each other's defence in the event that one is the victim of foreign aggression.

x Doge Gian Carli.

x Pietro Verri

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

Decree of Emperor Paul Regarding Sardinia-Piedmont

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Paul believes that the people of Sardinia-Piedmont have a right to govern themselves in any way they wish. The Russian Empire unequivocally condemns aggressive posturing towards Sardinia-Piedmont, and will publicly denounce any government that unjustly and unlawfully goes to war with Sardinia-Piedmont.

[windjammer]

On an another note:

The King of France is looking to betrothe his grandson, the Petit Dauphin, anyone interested (players and NPC) in building familial ties with the Kingdom of France just has to contact me.

King Louis XVI

[Huey Long is a Republican]

much like the Kingdom of France, the Kingdom of Portugal is looking to establish familial ties with other Notable families of Europe with Maria Clementia and out heir Joseph. Once all sutiable candidates have been looked at, we will announce bethrothals.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdulhamid Khan, Padishah and Commander of the Faithful, had noticed Tripolitanian rebels are now trying to rally fellow Muslims to their defense as the Venetian forces are crushing them. The Caliph believes however it is a righteous punishment send by the Allah himself upon them for defying the sacred authority of Amir al-Mu'minin. Venetians, though not Muslim, proved to be infinitely better Men of God than the pirates and became the Sultan's valuable ally. This war has nothing to do with faith and our sacred faith shall not be twisted by these scroundels for their own interest. Let it be plain: the faithful who defy the Amir al-Mu'minin shall not receive his protection.

[Kingpoleon]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdulhamid Khan, Padishah and Commander of the Faithful, had noticed Tripolitanian rebels are now trying to rally fellow Muslims to their defense as the Venetian forces are crushing them. The Caliph believes however it is a righteous punishment send by the Allah himself upon them for defying the sacred authority of Amir al-Mu'minin. Venetians, though not Muslim, proved to be infinitely better Men of God than the pirates and became the Sultan's valuable ally. This war has nothing to do with faith and our sacred faith shall not be twisted by these scroundels for their own interest. Let it be plain: the faithful who defy the Amir al-Mu'minin shall not receive his protection.

The Caliph will not threaten the faithful who are neutral in this struggle. Know, however, that bullying and threats does not lead to friends, much as salt water quenches no thirst.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdulhamid Khan, Padishah and Commander of the Faithful, had noticed Tripolitanian rebels are now trying to rally fellow Muslims to their defense as the Venetian forces are crushing them. The Caliph believes however it is a righteous punishment send by the Allah himself upon them for defying the sacred authority of Amir al-Mu'minin. Venetians, though not Muslim, proved to be infinitely better Men of God than the pirates and became the Sultan's valuable ally. This war has nothing to do with faith and our sacred faith shall not be twisted by these scroundels for their own interest. Let it be plain: the faithful who defy the Amir al-Mu'minin shall not receive his protection.

The Caliph will not threaten the faithful who are neutral in this struggle. Know, however, that bullying and threats does not lead to friends, much as salt water quenches no thirst.

Why is the Shah getting involved in the matters that does not concern him and his people?

[Kingpoleon]

Know that the words of a Persian are more true and straight than any arrow, and more unyielding and flawless than any fortress. We are neutral, and neutral we shall remain.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Know that the words of a Persian are more true and straight than any arrow, and more unyielding and flawless than any fortress. We are neutral, and neutral we shall remain.

Proclaiming neutrality in what an internal conflict between the Sultan and treacherous rebels implies the two sides are equal in a sense. It is a grave insult, same as if the Sultan said a similar thing about the Shah and the past pretenders to his throne.

Therefore no Persian caravan shall be permitted to enter the Ottoman land.

[Kingpoleon]

Know that the words of a Persian are more true and straight than any arrow, and more unyielding and flawless than any fortress. We are neutral, and neutral we shall remain.

Proclaiming neutrality in what an internal conflict between the Sultan and treacherous rebels implies the two sides are equal in a sense. It is a grave insult, same as if the Sultan said a similar thing about the Shah and the past pretenders to his throne.

Therefore no Persian caravan shall be permitted to enter the Ottoman land.

Will you punish all of Europe on a technicality? Speak not in haste, I urge you.

Furthermore, does any man recall the Ottomans practicing naught but neutrality in the Persian Civil War? No! And did we begrudge them for it? No! We have forgiven and forgotten. The rebels hardly threaten the Sultan. We do not threaten the neutrality. Rarely is such a promise made for nothing that it is treated as an insult. The rebels have asked for friendship - the Ottomans have not done so in centuries. Once more, we pledge to never attack the Ottomans in an aggressive war. We urge the Sultan to not take our pledge of neutrality to his empire as an insult. We ask not for a similar proclamation from the noble Ottomans, but only that they allow our humanitarian mission to pass. To that end, we are prepared to give the Sultan ninety-five of our largest camels as an offering of friendship.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Know that the words of a Persian are more true and straight than any arrow, and more unyielding and flawless than any fortress. We are neutral, and neutral we shall remain.

Proclaiming neutrality in what an internal conflict between the Sultan and treacherous rebels implies the two sides are equal in a sense. It is a grave insult, same as if the Sultan said a similar thing about the Shah and the past pretenders to his throne.

Therefore no Persian caravan shall be permitted to enter the Ottoman land.

Will you punish all of Europe on a technicality? Speak not in haste, I urge you.

Furthermore, does any man recall the Ottomans practicing naught but neutrality in the Persian Civil War? No! And did we begrudge them for it? No! We have forgiven and forgotten. The rebels hardly threaten the Sultan. We do not threaten the neutrality. Rarely is such a promise made for nothing that it is treated as an insult. The rebels have asked for friendship - the Ottomans have not done so in centuries. Once more, we pledge to never attack the Ottomans in an aggressive war. We urge the Sultan to not take our pledge of neutrality to his empire as an insult. We ask not for a similar proclamation from the noble Ottomans, but only that they allow our humanitarian mission to pass. To that end, we are prepared to give the Sultan ninety-five of our largest camels as an offering of friendship.

It seems we've sorted our differences.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Russo-Portugese Trading Treaty of 1783

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xMaria Braganza of Portugal

[Spamage]

1783 Crises

KING MAXIMILIAN IS DEAD!
FEUDING IN BAVARIA AS TWO COMPETING WILLS MADE PUBLIC

    In the midst of all the other European drama, much of the continent’s attention had been drawn away from one of the most significant issues under the surface. After a surprise stroke in Munich, King Maximilian of Bavaria was rendered unable to speak, drifting in and out of consciousness over the next twelve or so hours. Exhausted, the King finally expired on March 30th, ending a line of Wittelsbach Bavarians dating back to the early 1300s. Of course, with no heirs, the immediate issue on everyone’s minds was the matter of the succession. King Maximilian had been rather vague on the issue during the last months of his life, viewing talk of his death as insulting. With his stroke, the only way his true and private opinions on the matter would be known was through his last will and testament. It was sought after by courtiers and officials within minutes of his death, everyone praying its words would not lead to war.
     Within a week two competing copies of the late King’s will would be released, one in Munich and the other in the Palatine. The copy in Munich was backed by Maria Anna Sophia of Saxony, the former Queen of Bavaria, and it named Prince Maximilian of Habsburg-Lorraine, the younger son of Joseph II and a nephew of the late King, as his heir. Until the Prince came of age, he is currently 12, this document states that Emperor Joseph II and his wife would rule Bavaria as regents.
    A second copy has emerged in the Palatine, ruled by the other branch of the Wittelsbachs. It arrived in the Electorate accompanied by much of the late King’s cabinet. They claim the Munich copy is a fraud and their document is the legitimate will of the late King. It names Charles Theodore, the elector of the Palatine, as heir to the whole Kingdom of Bavaria as the nearest male-line relative. Indeed, unlike in the Munich copy, this will argues staunchly in favor of keeping the Crown of Bavaria out of the hands of the Habsburgs.
    Both sides claim their copy is legitimate and their rival’s a fraud. Both have the royal seal stamped on them and what appears to be genuine signatures, though clearly one must be a forgery. As each is undated, there is no way of determining whether or not the late King had a change of heart at some point.
     The Elector of the Palatine has called on other subjects of the Holy Roman Empire, the King of Prussia, and the King of France to protect his right to the throne of Bavaria as the true heir of the Wittelsbachs. In Vienna meanwhile, while Emperor Joseph has taken no action, his wife is reportedly a very strong defender of her younger son’s claim to the throne. She has written to her sister (the regent of Saxony) calling on her to publicly back her son’s claim to the throne. The former Queen meanwhile, is trying to keep the peace in Bavaria as an interim ruler, though there have reportedly been clashes in several outlying villages between supporters of Prince Maximilian and Elector Charles Theodore. How Europe will manage this very pressing issue could determine the course of history on the Continent for decades, if not centuries, to come.
    Many are curious as to who the various sovereigns of Europe will recognize as the ruler of Bavaria. Indeed, the next few weeks will be crucial for both candidates.

Spanish and Dutch Launch Surprise Invasions of Portugal As Brazil Declares Independence!
Crises Across the Empire! Can the House of Braganza Recover?

    While Portugal was able to survive the surprise Prussian-Ottoman attack, signing peace early in the year, what followed would be disastrous. King Charles III of Spain, eager to join the fray, ordered a wide range of attacks on the Portuguese Empire, attacking without warning in a move that could only be seen as self-serving by most Europeans. A 60,000-man army stormed into the Algarve, capturing much of the Kingdom in the south and putting Lisbon under siege. Queen Maria and her family escaped the city hours before the bombardment began, cannon fire destroying many buildings constructed since the terrible earthquake of the 1750s. As the halfway mark of the year approached the city seemed close to surrender.
    Meanwhile, in Brazil, the people had had enough of Maria’s reforming instincts. In particular, her decision to abolish slavery in a portion of her dominion where the sugar-focused economy depended on it, sent the colony spinning into chaos. When it was clear that the landowners would rather declare independence than free their slaves, a great unease gripped the region. Tens of thousands of slaves who heard the news of their liberation fled plantations and murdered their oppressors, fighting loyally for a Queen on the other side of the world. Even so, they were only about one-third of the total population, meaning the realm is in a state of civil war. Thus, with the decision of the colonists to rebel and officially proclaim the “Republic of Brazil”, most of the land sits in the hands of the would-be Brazilians. The Portuguese force stationed there split in half, some backing the locals and other backing the Queen.
     The Spanish arrived in the middle of this chaotic situation, quickly surprising the local forces and seizing Sao Paolo. Indeed, a fair portion of the south was captured before it was clear what was happening. Their attempt on Rio de Janiero, the initial capitol of the rebellion against Maria, proved to be less effective. Following an extensive siege, the Spaniards were forced back. Both the pro-Portuguese slave rebels as well as the Brazilian Republicans have vowed to expel the foreign invaders.
      Spain was not alone in attacking Portugal though. The Kingdom of the Netherlands, under William I, was apparently eager to join in the carving up of one of the oldest colonial powers’ empire. A small expeditionary force arrived in Northern Brazil, landing in areas the Dutch had held more than a century ago. While disease is wracking this force, there was a sizeable foothold captured, though it’s a mystery whether or not it can be held. A second Dutch attack targeted Saint Domingue. With the power vacuum left by the departed Prussians, they sailed into Le Cap, occupying part of the north, while instituting a blockade of that half of the island. Spain, not to be outdone, also launched an invasion of this colony. Indeed, vast tracts of land were captured by the Spanish, breaking the back of the white Portuguese settler’s resistance. Even so, the slave revolt continued. Inspired by their brethren in Brazil, the slaves in Saint Domingue have re-embraced Queen Maria’s rule and attempted to liberate slaves held by the Spanish on the other half of the island.
     One bright spot for the House of Braganza was in India, where they managed to hold onto the loyalty of the Kingdom of Mysore. Even so, the Dutch have instituted a blockade of the Portuguese-held or allied areas on the subcontinent, hoping to keep the large army trapped.
     Thus, on Hispaniola, there is currently a three-way war between the pro-Portuguese slave rebels, the Dutch, and the Spanish. Spain is seen as having the upper hand, though the slave rebels are giving them a run for their money Meanwhile a four-way war is occurring in Brazil between the Dutch, the Spanish, the Brazilian rebels, and the pro-Maria loyalists. African and Indian territories are secure for the time being.
     The reaction in Europe has been decidedly negative. With Portugal first calling for a Conference of Peace prior to the Prussian-Ottoman attack and then following up with a convention on the rules of war following the peace treaty, both Spain and the Netherlands have been painted as opportunistic scavengers outside their realms. At home their actions were framed as a show of strength, though. With the Braganzas leading the Portuguese from the Duchy of Braganza there are now open calls for Maria I to be forced to abdicate or yield to a regent for her decision to end slavery causing the revolt of Brazil, the largest colony (though it, interestingly enough, slightly improved her position in Haiti). Furthermore, when considered in the context of her other actions (expanding suffrage and mandatory military service) there has been a great departure from the Portuguese history. Maria has consistently insisted that history will vindicate her for her bold reforms, though the time to save her throne is running out. She only has weeks to ensure she is not overthrown by her own family as the situation is on the verge of collapse. Can Maria ensure that the Portuguese realm will survive or will it be snuffed out roughly a century after it freed itself from Spain?

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

Russo-Portugese Trading Treaty of 1783

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xEmperorPaul

[Dereich]

I hereby refer the question of the successor to the Kingdom of Bavaria to the sitting session of the Imperial Diet.

Joseph II Hapsburg

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

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xKingLouis XVI

X King Charles III of Spain

[YPestis25]

Declaration from Stockholm Palace

His Majesty King Gustav III is immensely pleased to announce the betrothal of Princess Louisa Ulrika of Scandinavia and Prince Paul Pavlovich of Russia. This arrangement will further cement the Russian and Scandinavian peoples together in friendship.

His Majesty King Gustav III is greatly pleased by the return of friendly relations with not just the Russian Empire, but the Kingdom of Prussia too. The binding of these powers and Scandinavia together in friendship and good will will ensure that stability and peace remain in Northern and Central Europe.

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

Declaration from the Winter Palace

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Paul I is extremely delighted to confirm the betrothal of Prince Paul Pavlovich of Russia and Princess Louisa Ulrika of Scandinavia. This betrothal will make clear to Europe the friendship of the Russian and Scandinavian peoples.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The independence of Brazil is fait accompli and therefore Brazil is oficially recognized as a fully sovereign nation. The desire of Brazilians to be ruled by a sane monarch is perfectly understandable. The Sublime Porte, however, cannot at this time extend the official recognition for each pretender to the throne, as we need time to get the full picture of what is a quickly changing situation.

[YPestis25]

Statement from the Court of Gustav III

His Majesty King Gustav III wishes to inform his people, and the courts of Europe, that Princess Catherine, hereafter to assume the title of Crown Princess, will be officially designated as heir apparent of the Kingdom of Scandinavia and all of its oversees possessions.

His Majesty has no doubt that Crown Princess will serve her country admirably once her tenure as monarch begins. Europe, especially as of late, has been dominated by strong queens and empresses, and Crown Princess Catherine will soon have a chance to prove herself and establish her own legacy among the storied histories of the Empress Maria Teresa and Queen Isabella.

As befitting of her new station, the Court of His Majesty Gustav III will now entertain fitting marriage proposals for the Crown Princess. Any houses of note (including NPC), will be dutifully considered and a decision will be rendered once an acceptable match is found.

[DKrol]

Statement from Yuanming Yuan

His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, has announced that the intention and purpose of his reign remains the same: governing the Chinese people under the Mandate of Heaven. The policies of the Sino-Prussian Economic Treaty of 1783 in no way open up internal Chinese policies and politics to outside forces and powers. Nor do those policies open up His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China to caring and providing for those people who have not paid the proper tribute to His Imperial Majesty and declared their respect and allegience to him.

[Dereich]

I am pleased to announce the engagement of Ferdinand, the King of Rome, to Princess Mary of Great Britain. The whole Empire is eager to await our new Imperial Princess and it is the hope of the Emperor and of all the Hapsburg subjects that this will mark a new page in Imperial relations with Britain. 

Joseph II Hapsburg

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the name of His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan, Padishah, Emperor, Head of the House of Osman, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Commander of the Faithful and Custodian of Three Holy Mosques, Emperor of Rome, etc. etc.


Having just proven beyond any doubts its capability of projecting power across the globe, the Most Exalted Ottoman State hereby proclaims that as a preeminent Muslim power, as well as holder of the Caliphate, shall undertake special interest and indeed responsibility regarding sovereign Muslim states in Africa and Eastern Asia*, by offer them economic cooperation, aid as well as diplomatic and military protection. The Ottoman soil may be the cradle of the Muslim world, but said world doesn't end on its borders. It stretched as far as Oceania and won't be overlooked.





* doesn't concern already existing colonies of friendly or at least non-hostile powers