Encore of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[Spamage]

The Encore of Europe

Turn 4: 1785

Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Major Powers:
Russian Empire- Emperor Paul Petrovich (HenryWallace)
Kingdom of France- King Louis XVI Bourbon (Windjammer)
Kingdom of Prussia- King Frederick William II Hohenzollern (Lumine)
Archduchy of Austria- Emperor Joseph II Habsburg (Dereich)
Kingdom of Great Britain- King George III of Hanover (Blair)
Kingdom of Spain- King Charles III Bourbon (LouisvilleThunder)
Ottoman Empire- Sultan Abdul Hamid I (Kalwejt)
Polish-Lithuanian Republic- President Tadeusz Kosciuszko (Sjoyce)
Kingdom of Scandinavia-King Gustav III of Holstein-Gottorp (YPestis)
Kingdom of Quebec-President Louis-Philippe de Vaudreuil(Dr Novella)
Safavid Empire- Shah Ismail III Safavid (Kingpoleon)
Kingdom of the Netherlands- King William I of Orange (JacksonHitchcock)
Holy People’s Republic of Sardinia-Piedmont- President Pietro Verri (X)
Republic of Venice- Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli (GOTfan)
Qing Dynasty- Qianlong Emperor (Dkrol)
Republic of Louisiana- President Etienne de Bore (TimTurner) 

Economic Standings:
Kingdom of France- Very Strong
Kingdom of Great Britain- Very Strong
Safavid Empire- Strong
Ottoman Empire- Strong
Qing Dynasty- Strong
Kingdom of Prussia- Moderate
Archduchy of Austria- Moderate
Republic of Venice- Moderate
Holy People’s Republic of Sardinia-Piedmont- Moderate
Kingdom of Spain- Moderate
Republic of Poland-Lithuania- Moderate
Kingdom of Quebec- Moderate
Kingdom of Scandinavia- Weak
Republic of Louisiana- Weak
Kingdom of the Netherlands- Weak

Popularity:
President Tadeusz Kosciuszko- Very High
Emperor Joseph II Habsburg- High
King George III- High
Qianlong Emperor- High
King Charles III Bourbon- High
King Frederick William II Hohenzollern- High
President Louis-Philippe de Vaudreuil- High
King Gustav III of Holstein-Gottorp- High
King Louis XVI Bourbon- Moderate
Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli- Moderate
President Etienne de Bore
President Pietro Verri- Moderate
Sultan Abdul Hamid I- Moderate
Shah Ismail III Safavid- Moderate
King William I of Orange- Low

Ongoing Conflicts:
Quebec War of Independence: Republic of Quebec vs. Kingdom of Spain (1781-)
War of the Bavarian Succession: Archduchy of Austria, Russian Empire, Kingdom of Bavaria vs. Kingdom of Prussia, Qing Dynasty, Ottoman Empire, Kingdom of Scandinavia (1783-)
Sino-Nepalese War: Shah Dynasty vs. Qing Dynasty (1783-)
Sino-Korean War: Joseon Dynasty vs. Qing Dynasty(1783-)

Archduchy of Austria:

-The war has been mixed so far. Bohemia is under grave threat from the invading Prussians, but your army to the west has evicted the pretender Charles Theodore from his holdings and mauled the primary army of the German League minors. Now, unless you seek a settled peace, the war continues. What actions will you take to push back the Prussians and defend your son’s throne? How will victory be assured?

-Considering you still have many holdings in Italy even with the sale of Lucca, Austria must respond to developments there. Many are alarmed at the supposed “rescue” of Pope Adrian VII and his subsequent death. Yet, with your recent agreement with Sardinia-Piedmont and the disconnect between your Italian lands and the rest of the Habsburg Monarchy (both culturally and geographically), you must be careful. More cynical observers believe an alliance with Sardinia-Piedmont could be beneficial as it would create a Papacy that would be more supportive of your government. Others, a majority, believe that Verri cannot be trusted. His government has killed the House of Savoy save for Benedetto, launched surprise attacks, and pushed against the social order that has stood in your lands for centuries. What is to be done?

-While the Ottoman Empire is seen by much of Europe to be a powder keg of competing nationalities and different religions, your realm is not much different. In fact, just as in Ottoman Europe, so too does Austria rule over a large population of Slavs, Hungarians, and Romanians. Needless to say, there are some who see the revolt of Belgrade as a harbinger of what could come to Austria if its ideas spread. Some would like you to abandon the rebels. Others think you should seek to steer their rebellion, preventing their rhetoric from becoming anti-Habsburg in addition to anti-Ottoman. Perhaps some concession could be made to minorities in your realm in order to preempt any sort of disorder? How will you handle this potential challenge and ensure Austria retains its control of its diverse empire?

Kingdom of France:

-France is surrounded by crises. As a pious Catholic, undoubtedly the situation in Italy is the one that has drawn most of your attention. The death of Adrian VII, a distant relation by your shared descent from Louis XIII, was shocking, but some wonder if you could profit from it. One faction thinks this is the excuse you need to seize the papal lands at Avignon and further unite the French-speaking people of Europe. Others think that the Papacy, stained by events in Rome, ought to be restored to Avignon as in centuries past. There are also two other wars on your borders. Spain and the Netherlands may have defeated the Portuguese, but it seems tensions between them and Britain could erupt into war. Meanwhile, the War of the Bavarian Succession continues to rage throughout Central Europe. How should you navigate this unstable diplomatic environment?

-The most concerning domestic issue is undoubtedly the contentious Estates General of 1784. Your power to rule without question was severely challenged and, in the months since, those opposed to you have been far more open about their opinions. While some still maintain loyalty to you personally, only wanting a constitution or other concessions to limit your absolute authority, it has not stopped others from pushing for a Republican form of government. These radicals are a minority, but a vocal one. They point to Poland, Louisiana, and even the chaotic Republic of Sardinia-Piedmont as examples of how reform can be achieved. Broadsheets have even been published in Paris denouncing you, your children, and your wife. How will you handle this internal challenge, especially with such a volatile situation on your borders?

-Many at Versailles also are worried about the French situation in India. While internally your prized possession remains at peace, the region around it is fraught with conflict. The Shah Dynasty has been further destabilized by Chinese gains during the past year, Kathmandu now under threat. The loss of Nepal to the Qing Dynasty could make your own provinces vulnerable and some think action should be taken. To the northwest, the Safavids have made gains against the Durrani Empire, but the fighting is far from complete. Some in Kabul have suggested to French officials that it would be beneficial for their cause and region stability if you were to provide aid in their struggle. They believe a weaker Durrani state is preferable to a strong Persia on the edge of India. What will your East Asian policy be?

Kingdom of Great Britain:

-It appears you are in a sort of proxy war with your father-in-law, Charles III of Spain. Spanish newspapers blame you for inciting Louisiana to rebel and accuse you of tacitly supporting them. You have hosted the Braganzas for the past year and your ships launched landings back into Portugal that, although failed, represented the first time Britain was active in what had largely been a war fought between Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Will you escalate the conflict, declaring war outright, and seek to reassert British supremacy or should conciliatory steps be taken? What actions will you take towards the “Emperor of Hispania”?

-The matter of representation for the Fifteen Colonies keeps rearing its head. With a now substantial population, especially when compared to some of the constituent Kingdoms of your realm, the Congress of Annapolis has demanded representation by population in Parliament. Naturally this is unpopular in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It would mean diminished influence for less populated areas and could result in colonists voting on matters that would only affect small portions of the British Isles. Needless to say, there are two very impassioned groups on either side of the issue. Some think that you could sidestep the matter by allowing each colony a greater degree of independence, though this would mean London would no longer be able to direct them as efficiently. Furthermore, it is argued that doing so could cause them to protest further, having observed that London can be bent to their will. How will the Parliament question be handled?

-Quebecqois have begun to settle in land formally claimed by the British Empire (OTL upper Michigan). While this land is completely unoccupied by your realm’s settlers, traders, or soldiers, some see it as a betrayal. Others think that it’s time for you to reconsider your borders in the American continent by striking deals with Quebec and perhaps even Louisiana. Even more concerning than the arrival of French-speakers has been the increased cooperation between the native tribes. Upset about unmanaged colonization from the Fifteen Colonies, leaders have begun to forge a pan-tribal confederation. This could be dangerous if not handled properly, but what is to be done? Too little aggression could give the group time to grow, too much could ignite further sympathy. Or perhaps the natives should be left to their own affairs…

Kingdom of Prussia:

-Prussia once again is knocking on the gates of Prague. Even so, the opening stages of the War of the Bavarian Succession have not been a complete success. Charles Theodore has taken up residence in Berlin following his embarrassing flight from the Palatine, your allies are struggling to hold back a tide of Russians, Corsica is in crisis, and the Austrians stalled your main drive into Moravia. How will the war be prosecuted in 1785 in order to ensure Frederick II’s victories are repeated? Or, alternatively, should some new sort of strategy be adopted?

-Dangerous republican propaganda has been spotted in the streets of Berlin throughout much of 1784. Condemning your absolute rule, pamphlets call for a full-on revolution in the style of Poland or Sardinia-Piedmont. Many in Berlin suspect that either Austria, Poland, or France is responsible. Whatever the case, there does seem to be some sort of resonance in Hanover. The region was sold to Frederick II and lacks the sort of dynastic loyalty present in many other German principalities (even if your grandmother came from Hanover, memory of her has largely begun to fade). Will your government crackdown on this treason as a wartime necessity or tolerate it and hope that it is just a phase?

-Johann Christoph von Wöllner, a close friend and advisor of yours, has enacted a series of religious reforms within Prussia during the early years of your reign. Condemned by Frederick II as “a treacherous and intriguing priest”, you have generally protected your friend and he has returned the favor with loyalty. As the head of a religious office established early in your reign he has sought to increase state control over religious appointments. In particular Wollner has tried to protect “orthodox” Christianity against those modernists who would wish to see it reformed further or left open to criticism. Will you continue to support Wollner, who sees religion as a partner of government (and therefore open to government oversight) or rescind his policies and move the regime out of the Church? How will you handle this religious controversy at such a tense time throughout your realm?

Kingdom of Scandinavia:

-Well done! Russia has been severely weakened at sea and it is clear that Scandinavia will largely enjoy free movement through the Baltic. Furthermore, St. Petersburg has been devasted, a burned-out shell of its former self thanks to Swedish raiders. Though there have been setbacks in Finland and Emperor Paul escaped, the war is still probably winnable. What will be your plans moving forward?

-The formation of the Icelandic Relief Company was undoubtedly a good decision, though as can be expected from a situation involving so much money, goods, and people, corruption has already become endemic. Subjects in Iceland report being pressured to give bribes for their cases to move forward. Furthermore, a variety of wealthy individuals from Sweden have purchased land from the largely destitute displaced individuals for quite a low price. Some are calling on you to rein in these practices, while others believe that too much punishment could force out officials who are quite talented, whatever dealings they may have on the side. How will you deal with the supposed corruption in the IRC?

-While Scandinavia is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, as recent events in Russia and Denmark have clearly demonstrated, there are some in Stockholm who feel you are being left behind in a key area of great power competition, colonies. In recent years Prussia, Sardinia-Piedmont, and Austria have all joined the colonial race across the globe. Scandinavia, outside of your holdings in Iceland and Greenland, does not possess much of a colonial empire. Will you seek to change this? Or are colonies a risky and expensive debacle that your realm ought not get involved in?

Kingdom of Spain:

-Your son-in-law, the King of Great Britain, has been undermining your authority across the globe and many in Madrid are losing patience. It seems clear that the Louisianan Revolution was made possible by British weapons and aid. Furthermore, in 1784 the British Navy was the transporter of the preliminary invasion with the attempt of restoring the Braganzas to the throne. With the defeat of Portugal, undoubtedly this, along with the traumatic events in Italy where your son was attacked, has become the issue dominating Spanish attention. How will you respond to British undermining of your authority, the revolution in the Americas, and your son’s fight for survival?

-Another foreign policy crisis demands your attention. Your son, King Ferdinand of Naples, is in an all-out war against the Verri regime. He demands immediate Spanish aid in his struggle, hoping that you will help him overcome the difficulties posed by such a fervent foe. There’s also the matter of the confusion over the papacy of Benedict XVII to be considered. While the events surrounding his elevation are suspect, he was chosen by cardinals in the Eternal City, exactly along the same lines as his predecessors since the 1500s. While some desire a separate Pope be set up, others are loathe to challenge tradition. How will you manage this confused situation in Italy?

-As technical controller over Portugal, some are wondering how that realms new government should be structured. There is a growing divide between those who hope to retain many former Braganza officials in their role and rely on their expertise and those who would have a whole new system constructed with former enemies punished. As Emperor of Hispania, the new King of Portugal has deferred the final decision on the matter to you. Retaining too many loyalists to Joseph II could leave the Kingdom vulnerable, while removing everyone creates a vacuum of experience. What will you decide?

Ottoman Empire:

-The war has not gone well for the Sublime Porte thus far, whatever gains your allies may have made in far-off lands. Crimea has largely been lost, the Serbs are in rebellion, and the Russians have an army on your side of the Danube. Yet, the situation is not completely disastrous. Your armies remain in tact and able to fight. The Patriarch of Constantinople agreed to issue a short statement of support for your regime, which largely quieted Greek opposition for the time being (though this could change if the situation worsens). How is the war to be managed and what must be done to overcome these setbacks?

-Ottoman investment in Asia seems to be paying off, some in Istanbul are even wondering if you should expand your role in the region. In the minor Indonesian territories, locals are happy to have an alternative to the Dutch with which to trade and even are willing to propose agreements of mutual defense. Furthermore, your friendly actions towards Mysore were appreciated, you becoming the only realm outside of France that is allied to them. Russia declared themselves the protector of Eastern Christians quite some time ago. Some are wondering if the Ottoman Empire should declare itself to be the protector of Sunni Muslims, wherever they may be. While this would undoubtedly raise your prestige, it could also get you embroiled in distant wars. How will you handle the friendly response of your fellow Muslims?

-There is a growing conservative backlash to the changes of the past few years. Some in your borders resent the new ways of doing things (such as your introduction of British technology in mining), war against fellow Muslims (as in Tripoli), and the extensive military reforms continued during your rule. The believe that if too much reform is enacted, the true Turkish identity of the Empire will be lost in the desire to emulate the West. How will you placate these angered subjects? Are their concerns justified or do they represent the last cries of a dying old system, one which will be replaced by a more efficient government?

Kingdom of Quebec:

-A matter of domestic concern has begun in your government. Although the people of the Kingdom were unified in throwing out the Spanish and founding an independent nation, since then the level of division has been growing. With your government a parliamentary democracy, some wonder if it is time to permit the formation of political parties in Quebec and allow active campaigning. Others believe this would only further serve to cement the growing divide and that nonpartisan governance should be the answer, even if it is challenged from both sides. Will you allow the political cliques in the Kingdom to become political parties outright?

-As a relatively free realm, and one without the old social distinctions that dominate Europe, Quebec has become a center of immigration. Austrians fleeing war, British colonists looking for self-government, and Italian traditionalists are all arriving day-by-day. With such an influx of people, and a small base population, the original Quebecois are worried about the retention of traditional values and culture. They would like to see greater restrictions placed on new arrivals and also an expedited process for French-speaking arrivals. Otherwise they see themselves as being outvoted and outbought by outsiders seeking to piggyback off of their achievement. Others see the migrants as a source of strength, ensuring your realm will continue to expand. What will your policy be in regards to migration?

-King Henry, after much private contemplation and prayer, has agreed to become a Catholic. Baptized in Montreal, he now has put quite a few awkward questions to rest and opens up the possibility of marriage into several Catholic royal families. Even so, there is a new crisis of religion in Quebec. The events in Italy have startled the people and divided the nation. Some condemn Sardinia-Piedmont for their aggressive action, while others, remembering the revolutionary fervor in Quebec just years ago, believe the distant Republic should be supported. These is also a sizeable isolationist faction which thinks your realm should extricate itself from European affairs. What is your response to the controversy in Italy?

[Spamage]

Safavid Empire:

-The Durrani and yourself remain locked in a bitter fight. It seems your gamble to assembly most of your forces in a unified army has not paid off, as the losses along the Oxus indicate. Furthermore, supply difficulties remain in the remote portions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are even some indications a major foreign power is supplying the Durrani, who have weapons stockpiles they could not have created on their own. As the war enters its second year, it is time to consider what moves will be taken next. Some want you to keep pushing towards Kabul, others believe a slow, measured march would be ideal. What tactics will you employ to assert Safavid supremacy?

-Some question the nature of your rule. In the past few decades Persia has enjoyed a wide variety of sovereigns with varying degrees of power. While the Safavids have always been absolutist, there was a period during the Zand interregnum where they sought to portray themselves as acting in accordance with popular will. Now, with the crises spreading across Europe, some in Persia have reexamined the role they think the monarchy ought to play. Will you listen to calls to limit your power or preserve the traditional and divine power of the Safavid Shahanshah? Perhaps moderate concessions could be made? What will be the way forward for Persia internally?

-Your decree of religious toleration impressed many. David X of Georgia praised you in a personal letter, the Sunni likewise have been elated. Minorities are coming out of the shadows and practicing out in the open. The one group opposed to this, and also the largest religious denomination in your realm, is the Shi’ites. There have been assaults on Sunni imams and damage to Christian churches in the Caucuses. Indeed, after centuries of being their ally, many Shi’ites are wondering how you could turn your back on them. Though it has been limited to grumbling so far, some fear that dissent could evolve to sabotaging the war effort, refusing to pay taxes, or even open rebellion. At very least the Shi’ites demand a preferred status in all government positions. How will you deal with the indignation of Persia’s largest sect?

Polish-Lithuanian Republic:

-The Republic surrounded by war, is facing a massive wave of refugees. Bohemians fleeing the Prussians, Russians fleeing the Swedes, and Crimeans/Cossacks fleeing the Russians are all entering your lands. The question is, what will be done? Your realm has always been a patchwork of different nationalities, but these arrivals have no connection to the existing system. Some want them to be welcomed, even given full voting rights and a place to stay. Others believe that you can ill-afford so many mouths to feed in such an unpredictable time, therefore they should be sent back. How will you handle these refugees?

-Of all the European Catholic realms, Poland is the most sympathetic to the actions of the Holy People’s Republic of Sardinia-Piedmont. Indeed, Catholic republicanism is spreading like wildfire due to the free publishing and distribution of materials that the Polish Constitution provides. There are many in Warsaw who believe you should recognize Pope Benedict XVII as the true heir of St. Peter and also issue a vow of protection to your fellow republic. A minority of Poles have denounced the actions of the Verri regime and want to restore the prewar situation in Italy. For the most part though, among Poles, many would agree that the Papacy had become a space for hanger-ons and corruption and it was perhaps time for some house cleaning. How will you respond to the events in Rome?

-Your abolition of the guilds has been praised by people outside of the system but condemned by those who benefitted most from it. Indeed, there has been a wave of strikes in several industries, creating a shortage of employable labor in formerly guilded occupations. Craftsmen and artisans are in short supply, but there are several actions. First, some proposed negotiating with the strikers, offering former members of the guilds a higher, government-paid wage than those joining their field. Others believe you should establish state schools to deal with the shortage, though the workers would probably be of lower quality due to the loss of institutional memory. How will you ensure your economy continues to strengthen following the abolition of the guilds?

Kingdom of the Netherlands:

-You find yourself in an awkward position with the ratcheting up of tensions between London and Madrid. The Netherlands has historically been friendly towards Britain, even sharing a monarch for several decades. You yourself are the grandson of King George II and a cousin of George III. Yet, you have also signed an alliance with Spain that could pay off well with the collapse of the Braganza Dynasty. Dutch and Spanish cooperation has brought Saint Domingue back to heel and shattered Portuguese power the world over. If the two nations you have had close ties to come to blows, with whom will you side? Perhaps you could serve as an intermediary, though that would only work if both sides were willing to listen.

-The Ottomans have begun to cultivate friendly relationships with the minor powers on the borders of the Dutch East Indies. Needless to say, local colonial officials are resentful of the Turkish diplomatic push in the region and understand now how much of an economic competitor they could become. Some believe you should undercut the Ottomans with more favorable offers yourself. Others think that negotiations with Istanbul should be begun to get them out of the region. Or, you could even test the Ottoman commitment of their new allies by outright assault on one of these states. How will you protect Dutch influence in the East Indies?

-While the situation in Saint Domingue was saved due to cooperation with the Spanish, the Dutch expedition to Brazil is in dire straits. If your realm truly hopes to annex part of that realm, you will probably need to send more men to fight a brutal and confused war. This theater has become the most controversial at home, with some condemning it as a pointless and doomed foreign adventure while others defend your actions and believe it is a solid long-term investment. Will you double-down and get more involved in Brazil or admit defeat and make an embarrassing withdrawal?

Holy People’s Republic of Sardinia-Piedmont:

-Rome has been saved, Naples has launched a war of aggression, and foreign powers are disputing the undoubtedly legitimate election of Pope Benedict XVII. Needless to say, the level of controversy on the Italian peninsula has greatly increased during 1784. Now many are calling on you to explain yourself and some are even stating that you murdered the Pope outright. How will you respond to these lies?

-Naples is under your control, but the level of enthusiasm among the locals is nowhere near as fervent or devoted as in Northern Italy. Ferdinand has been able to rally his armies to his side, not to mention the inhabitants of part of the Papal States. The King of Naples has declared war on the Revolution and vowed to avenge his aunt and cousins. How will you prosecute this war of Neapolitan aggression? Some believe you should encourage a social revolution, but how would that be accomplished? Should your armies be harsh or gentle to the natives of Italy?

-There are whispers of a reactionary coup building in Turin, disgusted by the excesses of the past year. Although your intelligence forces do not have any solid evidence, there are undoubtedly some officials in your government whose loyalty is suspect. Not only are there holdovers from the rule of the House of Savoy, but some of the moderate revolutionaries, who intended to form a secular republic rather than a theocratic one, has been reportedly deriding you in private. How will you treat these fifth-columnists? Should an investigation be established and punishment meted out or is this just hysteria of those with overactive imaginations?

Republic of Venice:

-The events in Rome and Turin are most concerning, even more so because they are occurring in your neighborhood. Sardinia now has solid control of both the Vatican and the Papacy, even with all the hand-wringing and statements of protest by the other powers. Venice itself is divided on the issue as well. The aristocrats would like to head to war immediately, smash the rebellion, and restore the status quo. The lower-class faction though is mixed to warm towards Sardinia. They see business opportunity where the nobles see social revolution. The lower class (the Loredans) was fairly disappointed by the rashness of the Sardinian actions, but they do highlight that a legitimate criticism about Papal extravagance could be argued. Will you further condemn Sardinia or seek a rapprochement? How will Venice manage the crisis to its west?

-The Sultan of Tripolitania has been captured and killed, putting an end to his mischief. Now the question remains of what to do with the prisoners of war captured during the fighting and the Venetian raids? Furthermore, some are wondering whether or not voting privileges should be extended to Muslim residents of the Republic in Tripoli and other cities in North Africa, a prospect that is highly unpopular in Italy. So, while you have maintained your right to rule in North Africa, what will be done to ensure that the region does not try to secede again?

-There has been a fourth political party forming in Venice outside of the existing three (your own, the Loredans, and the Dandolos). These partisans are rabidly pro-French and seek closer ties with Paris instead of Istanbul or Vienna. Many government officials suspect that there is foreign funding involved and call for an investigation of foreign interference. Others argue that the political actions are protected by the general consensus on liberty in the Republic. How will you handle this party, one which could continue to grow and disrupt the existing system?

Qing Dynasty:

-Your extensive foreign involvement, while successful in Russia and Nepal, has faced growing opposition at home. The death of your son in Korea has been used as a rallying cry by those seeking to restore Chinese isolation. Others at Court highlight there is still much to be done and caving to the demands of a vocal opposition would demonstrate weakness. Will you look inward or seek to protect the growing Chinese influence that has been championed by your government during the past few years? What will be done in Korea, Nepal, and Russia?

-There are worrying reports from the south of the Empire. The White Lotus society, a group supposedly responsible for the expulsion of the Yuan and the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, is reportedly active once again, opposing your Manchu rule. This apocalyptic group is focused on restoring Han governance to China. Now it must likely be dealt with, though how? Some believe a brutal crackdown could scare the Han back into submission, while others argue that could backfire and provoke a rebellion. Or perhaps these are just rumors after all? What will you decide?

-With the death of Prince Yongyan, you must designate another one of your many children as your heir or risk the dynasty falling into civil war upon your demise. Which, of many, offspring is fit to govern China in the future? Perhaps the former heir’s younger brother? Or should you choose one of your sons from your other consorts? This decision will undoubtedly have consequences for decades and could determine the overall trajectory of your dynasty, so you must be very cautious.

Republic of Louisiana:

-You have been chosen to lead the Revolution, Etienne de Bore. As the President of the Congress of New Orleans, it will be up to you to win freedom from Spain and ensure that your realm can expand freely. Naturally, with the Spanish expelled from Louisiana proper, you must now decide between offensive action into their other territories or a defense of your small republic. How will this war of independence be won? Perhaps you could look for help from foreign powers? Quebec, like you, technically is at war with the Spanish and seeks independence. British arms were crucial in ensuring the murder of Spanish officials. France is naturally a cultural friend. Where will you look for help?

-You may be a small republic, but that does not mean your fellow citizens do not have big ambitions. In the past, Louisiana once extended from Quebec to the Gulf. Now, having been partitioned and defeated, you only control a small part of the Mississippi River. Even though Britain has technically claimed the area, some believe that you should demand the whole Mississippi, or at very least the lands west of that river for the Republic. The British presence is largely superficial and would be quickly outnumbered by any influx of Louisianans. Will you seek to expand your claims?

-The oppressors expelled, you must decide what form the government of Louisiana will take. There seems to be two major paths. You could either become a constitutional monarchy, offering the new throne to a scion of one of the many European dynasties like in Quebec or Brazil, or you could embrace republicanism along the lines of Poland and Sardinia-Piedmont. How will your government function? Will you create a presidency, monarchy, or something else entirely? What is to be protected in your constitution?

Armies & Locations

Kingdom of Prussia
111,462 Royal Army of Prussia
84,302 Army of Germany
45,000 Reserve Army
10,000 Army of New Prussia
2,000 Army of Guyana
5,000 Madagascar Expedition
20,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 1,000 more)

Kingdom of France
80,000 men raised and mobile
60,000 men garrisoned
60,000 Army & Garrison of India
(Can raise 90,000 more)

Kingdom of Great Britain
10,000 Army of Britain
32,900 Garrison of Britain
35,000 Army & Garrison of the 15 Colonies
3,000 Army & Garrison of Australia
3,500 Army of Charleston
2,500 Ghana Garrison
100 Falklands Garrison
(Can raise 78,000 more)

Kingdom of Scandinavia
66,542 Army of Helsinki
29,306 Army of Stockholm
3,376 Army of St. Petersburg
20,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 3,500 more)

Kingdom of Spain
70,864 Army of Portugal
2,000 men garrisoned
10,000 Garrison of New Spain
36,809 Army of Santo Domingo
21,046 Army of South America
2,000 Army & Garrison of the Philippines
(can raise 2,000 more)

Russian Empire
48,800 men garrisoned
36,492 Army of the West
78,052 Army of the North
103,719 Army of the South
(can raise 4,000 more)

Archduchy of Austria
72,977 Army of Bohemia
98,670 Army of Bavaria
34,042 Army of the Palatine
18,760 Austrian Border Army
6,756 Army of Corsica
45,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 5,000 more)

Ottoman Empire
114,600 men raised and mobile
27,542 Army of Tripolitania
1,700 Army of Timor
1,000 Army of Mauritius
42,100 men garrisoned
(can raise 39,300 more)

Polish-Lithuanian Republic
100,000 men raised and mobile
30,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 80,000 more)

Safavid Empire
50,000 men raised and mobile
25,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 42,000 more)

Republic of Quebec
25,000 men raised and mobile
5,000 Army of the Frontier
10,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 22,000 more)

Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont
20,000 men raised and mobile
18,950 ‬Army of Rome
19,306 Army of Naples
10,000 ‬men garrisoned
 (‬Can raise ‬55,000 ‬more)

Republic of Venice
25,000 Army of Venice
14,599 Army of Tripoli
1,500 Trade Expedition
3,500 men garrisoned
(‬Can raise ‬15,000 ‬more)

Kingdom of the Netherlands
25,000 ‬men raised and mobile
5,000 Army of New Holland
13,324 Army of Saint Domingue
5,558 Army of Brazil North
3,101 Army of Brazil South
7,000 Army of the East Indies
2,000 Army of Guyana
15,000 ‬men garrisoned
 (‬Can raise ‬13,000 ‬more)

Qing Dynasty
87,000 Army of the North
36,000 Army of Southwest Korea
19,568 Army of Northeast Korea
79,462 Army of the South
30,000 Imperial Army
(Can raise 200,000 more)

Republic of Louisiana
17,000 Army of New Orleans
2,000 Northern Frontier Force
(Can raise 10,000 more)

Navies of the World
Kingdom of Great Britain
205 Ships of the Line
126 Frigates

Kingdom of France
110 Ships of the Line
50 Frigates

United Provinces of the Netherlands
52 ‬Ships of the Line
40 ‬Frigates

Kingdom of Spain
55 Ships of the Line
32 Frigates

Russian Empire
21 Ships of the Line
7 Frigates

Kingdom of Scandinavia
47 Ships of the Line
18 Frigates

Kingdom of Prussia
35 Ships of the Line
17 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
33 Ships of the Line
14 Frigates

Polish-Lithuanian Republic
16 Ships of the Line
16 Frigates

Ottoman Empire
25 Ships of the Line
10 Frigates

Republic of Venice
15 ‬Ships of the Line
24 ‬Frigates

Archduchy of Austria
11 Ships of the Line
3 Frigates

Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont
10 Ships of the Line
2 Frigates

Republic of Quebec
3 Ships of the Line
7 Frigates

[Donerail]

A letter from President Tadeusz Kościuszko to the Vicar of Christ, Benedict XVII, as published in the Polish press

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[windjammer]

I wish to mediate between Spain and Louisiana as well.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

I wish to mediate between Spain and Louisiana as well.

I accept wholeheartedly.

[Kingpoleon]

The Safavid Limits

1. To represent Imam al-Mahdi on earth.
2. The position of Safavid kings as full masters of the followers of the Sufi tariqa(the Safawiyya).
3. The right of might: as the strongest and most capable force in Persia, it is the right of the Safavids to rule.
4. The creation of an advisory council: each governorship shall send a representative of their merchant, the clergy of the majority religion, the local nobility, and the peasantry. These may petition the Shah on certain issues, as well as be joined with the Safavid bureaucracy.

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

I wish to mediate between Spain and Louisiana as well.

I accept wholeheartedly.

The Emperor of Hispania also accepts.

[windjammer]

The King of France is pleased to announce the end of the war in Europe.

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xLouis XVI

[YPestis25]

The King of France is pleased to announce the end of the war in Europe.

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xLouis XVI

x Gustav III, King of Scandinavia

[Dereich]

The King of France is pleased to announce the end of the war in Europe.

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xLouis XVI

x Gustav III, King of Scandinavia

X Joseph II Hapsburg, Holy Roman Emperor
X Joseph II Hapsburg, as Regent to King Maximilian of Bavaria


I would also like to congratulate the King of France on his splendid diplomatic efforts.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The King of France is pleased to announce the end of the war in Europe.

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xLouis XVI

x Gustav III, King of Scandinavia

X Joseph II Hapsburg, Holy Roman Emperor
X Joseph II Hapsburg, as Regent to King Maximilian of Bavaria


I would also like to congratulate the King of France on his splendid diplomatic efforts.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

It has come to His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan's attention, for there is no even the faintest of sounds that could escape His ears, that some of His subjects are worried the far-reaching development program is but a tantamount to the Ottoman State losing its historical identity by being "Europeised".

If for some unfortunate souls maintaining our splendid historical identity should amount to having a weak army and stagnant economy then yes, this is something We definitively do not want to see in Our realm.

But look at the history: there is so much the Europeans learned from orient, getting heavily influenced with our science and arts, without losing their identity. If we can use some of European ideas to make Our realm strong and Our subject prosperous, we shall not hesitate. For these efforts are not an imposed westernization, but modernization with unique Ottoman characteristics.

[DKrol]

Statement from Yuanming Yuan

On Persia

His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, has decided, in his divine wisdom, to release a communication He received from the Safavid Prince ruling the people of Persia. Once a noble family whom His Imperial Majesty recognized as loyal and faithful vassals, the Safavid ruler has collapsed into madness. In a recent letter received by Heshen, Minister of Revenue, the Safavid Prince urged His Imperial Majesty to subject the Chinese to Persian rule and build a grand Asian Empire, with the Koreans and the Japanese. The goal of this pan-Asian Empire was, in the Safavid's words, to "wage war on our mutual enemies and bring Europe to its knees. We shall maintain a balance of power, an equilibrium that shall last a thousand years." His Imperial Majesty immediately rebuffed this preposterous idea - the Chinese will never kowtow to men of any other breed. His Imperial Majesty believed this to be the end of the radical ideas from the Safavid Prince, only to learn weeks later, from a respected and well-intentioned ally, that earlier in the year the Safavid Prince had reached out to our Turkish brothers and offered to build an alliance with the Ottomans and the Japanese to attempt to invade Chinese sovereignty.

His Imperial Majesty deeply regrets ever responding to letters from the Safavid Prince, as he is a man of unfit mind who is clearly incapable and ill-suited to the task of governing. His Imperial Majesty believes that the Durrani are strong and noble in their efforts to throw off the shackles of the Safavid Prince. The Safavid clearly has no mandate to govern his people and must be replaced and overthrown with a more capable and learned man. His Imperial Majesty would be honored to receive a delegation from the Durrani in Peking to meet and discuss their noble cause.

On The Succession

His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, has announced in his divine wisdom a change in policy. For many years, it was His desire that Yongyan, Prince Jia of the First Rank should sit the throne as the next Emperor of China. Sadly, Yongyan, Prince Jia of the First Rank was slaughtered by the Korean rebels of Joseon while serving the Empire valiantly and proudly. His Imperial Majesty has decreed that a period of mourning shall last for a fortnight in memory of the fallen Prince. His Imperial Majesty has transferred command of the Imperial Army to a General of lesser rank to allow Him to return to Peking for the funeral services.

It is now His Imperial Majesty's desire that Yongrong, son of Imperial Noble Consort Chunhui, who shall now be styled as Prince Zhi of the First Rank, should succeed His Imperial Majesty to the throne. Yongrong, Prince Zhi of the First Rank will now sit on sessions of the Grand Council, take part in military training sessions, and become a close counselor to His Imperial Majesty as training for assuming the throne.

On that matter, His Imperial Majesty has announced, in his divine wisdom, that he will abdicate the throne in 1795 at age 85 in the 60th year of His reign as Emperor. It would be disrespectful to reign longer than His grandfather, the great Kangxi Emperor, who reigned for 61 noble and powerful years. His Imperial Majesty will move into the Ningshou Palace, which He had constructed in 1776, upon His abdication as to not obstruct the new Emperor from governing independently.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The entire House of Osman salutes fallen Yongyan, Prince Jia of the First Rank, joining our Chinese brothers in mourning.

[Lumine]

The King of France is pleased to announce the end of the war in Europe.

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xLouis XVI

x Gustav III, King of Scandinavia

X Joseph II Hapsburg, Holy Roman Emperor
X Joseph II Hapsburg, as Regent to King Maximilian of Bavaria


I would also like to congratulate the King of France on his splendid diplomatic efforts.

X Frederick William II, King of Prussia

[Kingpoleon]

On China

The divine Chinese Emperor is truly unwise. We offered an alliance, using descriptive terms that refuse to understate the threats Persia and China face, and the Chinese agreed - on the condition of Persia swearing a degree of sovereignty and loyalty to China. We consider no country an enemy unless they intend to threaten the throne of the ancient Safavids, seed of Mohammed, the prophet of Allah. The Durrani have made this mistake - no other nation has. They have married and adopted the enemies of the Safavids, and they have harbored a threat against the Shah. This is truly intolerable, and we call on all nations who support the right of the Safavids to rule to denounce all attempts at rebellion funded from Kabul.

[DKrol]

Statement from Yuanming Yuan

On Persia

His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, has decided, in his divine wisdom, to release a proclamation. Once more, the Safavid Prince has lied to the people. His Imperial Majesty in no way accepted the offer of the Safavid Prince to subject the Chinese to Persian rule in the name of raising a pan-Asian Army to sweep across Europe. His Imperial Majesty made it clear that He did not support the idea from the start, as there are many wise, friendly, loyal, and capable Princes governing in Europe who have been good friends and valuable allies to the Chinese. What the Safavid has misinterpreted as support for the plan was, in fact, His Imperial Majesty stating that, if such a plan were to take place, which He desires it not to, that the Chinese would have to be recognized as the Supreme Head of the Army, as the Chinese are the superior people. The Safavid Prince, who cannot govern his people, has lost his mandate to govern and His Imperial Majesty supports the Durrani and their efforts to secure their own rule and bring down the Safavid Prince.

[Lumine]

Declarations from Berlin (VII)

ON PEACE:

Finding it only fair and necessary to jump to the immediate defence of its threatened allies, His Majesty was not the man who desired and started this war. The Kingdom of Prussia fought hard and fought well in the attempt to preserve the balance of power in Europe against those who would make it unsustainable, and with peace having become a possibility thanks to extensive diplomatic efforts from Paris it was decided to end this war before it would escalate even further, before the whole of Germany bled and burned after having worked so far to create a better future for itself over the past few years.

It has not been, and His Majesty could not stress this enough, a futile endeavour. Through undeniable success by the Prussian military in Bohemia through a campaign in which His Majesty himself marched with the army and via negotiations Hapsburg troops will abandon occupied territory in the German League and the Palatinate, ensure that a much fairer system of tariffs is in place for members of the League whose trade passess through Imperial territory, and allow those who see and understand the risk of staying in the Hapsburg dominated Empire to freely leave of their own accord and interest.

May the Kingdom, the German League and indeed, Europe itself benefit from the end of this war.

ON THE EMPIRE:

It has been the opinion of His Majesty, and of his uncle before him, that the Holy Roman Empire has steadily lost much of its meaning and purpose, straying further and further away from a system with a proper counterbalance and autonomy between the princes. As we move into a different situation in the Empire and Germany proper, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that meaningful balance within the Empire is rapidly being eroded and lost as the House of Hapsburg extends and centralizes its authority, and it is also hard to avoid the conclusion that many German principalities and peoples face the clear fate of being beholden to the whims and desires of the court in Vienna without a protector to stand besides them.

To this ever increasing push for centralization and domination we must necessary offer the counter example of the German League, a League in which Princes and peoples can work together when it comes to combined defence from aggression, when it comes to the expansion of trade and commerce and the promotion of low tariffs amongst ourselves, when it comes to the fervent desire which outlines that Germans can very well rule themselves. One of the concessions won in this peace treaty is indeed the freedom for members of the Empire who feel as we do, and who wish to work towards a better future for us all, to join the German League if they wish to do so, out of their own will and accord.

To them, princes and peoples, we can only say that we would welcome and embrace you with open arms as kindred spirits, being able to enjoy the benefits of the German League and its membership instead of facing the prospect of foreign domination and ever increasing centralized rule, and knowing that you will have a friend and ally prepared to defend you. All you need to do is reach out for an historic opportunity.

ON CORSICA:

It was that His Late Majesty Frederick the Great acquired the island of Corsica because of his keen admiration for the Corsican people and their history. For almost three decades the House of Hohenzollern has ruled Corsica despite the admittedly large distance which separates us all, and done so with a keen dedication to see that the island was protected and kept safe from those who ambitioned its control.

Perhaps influenced or caused by the dramatic events taking place near the island, His Majesty now faces the complexity of the most bloody type of conflict: a religious conflict. Proud as he is of being able to count on the loyalty of many Corsicans, he is keenly aware of the major logistical difficulties, and that on the present environment a war of religion would mean unnecessary bloodshed.

As a result, His Majesty has engaged in negotiations with the Spanish Court, and it has been decided that the island of Corsica is to be fully transfered to Spain and placed under their protection, with the territories of Mozambique transfered to Prussia in return. In selecting a Catholic power as the new protector of Corsica, it is the belief of His Majesty that any religious conflict can be swiftly ended and the island return to normalcy and hopefully, to safety under these complex and chaotic times in the Italian peninsula.

x Frederick William II, King of Prussia.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Han is gravely alarmed by recent revelations regarding Persia's secret plans. The very idea of plunging the entire Asia and Europe into yet another war in the name of nothing but ill-considered lust of power is abhorrent to every sane man. Surely Seal of the Prophets (Peace Be Upon Him) watches us from heaven, where he sits at Allah's right side, and shakes his head in disbelief. As Successor of the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe and Custodian of the Holy Cities of Mecca, Medina and Kouds, the Sultan will strongly oppose such heathen ideas.

[windjammer]

The King of France calls for the end of the conflict between Persia and the Durannis

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Most Sublime Ottoman State, having just reaffirmed its status as preeminent Muslim power, capable of projecting power across the wide globe, is very pleased with the reaction of independent Muslim rulers in West Indies to it's economic and political involvement in the region. We shall see it as our God-bestowed duty to forge close and permanent ties with said realms, as well as Mysore. His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Han's envoys shall pay respectful visits to our friends in order to hear of their ideas and expectations.

(OOC: I'm not ready to proclaim myself a protector of Sunni Muslims anywhere)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

In His Divine Grace, Sultan Abdul Hamid Han, mercifully decided that no further reprisal nor forced relocation shall befall upon His Libyan subject, most of whom transgressed out of misguided sense of loyalty or due to pressure of their leaders. No mercy, however, shall be shown to ringleaders, for they have not only raised arms against the Sultan, their rightful sovereign, but also against Allah himself, by disobeying the Caliph.

[windjammer]

I have heard the concerns of my subjects and France will move towards a more parlimentarian system, probably bicameralism. Details of my plan will be announced later.

[Donerail]

Trade Agreement between the Polish-Lithuanian Republic and the Sublime Porte

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xTadeusz Kościuszko

[GoTfan]

A proclomation regarding Tripoli

With the war in North Africa over, it is time to move on.

To this end, we hereby create the Governorate of Tripoli as an autonomous region within Venice's borders. The first governor will be the current commander of the Venetian forces in North Africa. Standing orders are to establish a Regional Assembly and create a stable government.

Freedom of the local populace to worship who they want is to be protected at all costs. Finally, the leaders of the rebellion are to be handed over to the Ottoman Empire to receive their punishments. The remainder will serve prison sentences.

We hope this is agreeable to the Porte.