King and Country - Gameplay Thread

[PSOL]

I’m pleased to announce that The Expansive Kingdom and Mughal empire are close to finalizing strong diplomatic and commercial ties with one another and the Kingdom of Muscat. For the meager return of conquered Mughal territory in the East, the Expansive Kingdom will forge a trio of trade, truce, and a towering alliance to bring together the Islamic world. While we may differ in beliefs of the core of the succession of Muhammad or earthly squabbles, we and the rest of my efforts to promote trade deals with other powers have done much to unite a fractured Ummah. While an encroachment by those jealous of our legacy and wishing of our spoils try to snake themselves in, I’m glad that I can play my part in bringing the true faithful together. We can wage a jihad of righteousness for truth against one another through debate, the Jihad of strength and costly expense must be waged on our opponents.

The Insolence of the European powers is an example of a hindrance to the Ummah. They refuse to stop promoting their faith in and around their outposts in the East, and have been quite aggressive and greedy in establishing themselves as above the local Muslims. That’s why my court of the Expansive Kingdom and the Kingdom of Muscat are taking the most firm stand against them. Let it be known that any who wish to impede on the Ummah or cooperate with the infidels will face the economic, cultural, and if it goes to it, military might in a Jihad or the ages. It’s not just me and the ruler of Muscat, no, but of the countless sympathetic Muslims out there tired of this infection; not just Shi’ite, not just Ibadi, not just Sunni, but the whole of the true members of the Ummah. Together, we shall win this Jihad no matter the task or setbacks to it.

[YPestis25]

Suspension of the Tehran Agreement

In light of the Safavid Shah's increasingly belligerent behavior, including the inclusion of the Circassian state into Persia's presumptuous sphere of influence, it is clear to all in Moscow, that the spirit, if not yet the letter of the Tehran Agreement has been violated. In undertaking such destabilizing actions, the Shah has put not just Russia's territorial integrity in jeopardy, but the entire region's.

We hope, but are not hopeful, that peace and stability can return to the region.

[Wikipedia delenda est]

End of Turn: 1671

Cossack uprising crushed, Stenka Razin killed


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Stenka Razin and his Cossacks were determined to hold out against the Russians, so when the Tsar ordered the armies of Astrakhan and the Volga to descend on Tsaritsyn, his men resisted bravely. At first it almost seemed that the Cossacks might beat back the Russians, but quickly their numerical inferiority caught up to them. As the numbers of the Cossack army withered away, Stenka Razin himself was killed by a Russian musketball, causing all resistance to collapse. With the surrender of Tsaritsyn came the end of the rebellion. The victorious Russians proceeded to inflict brutal reprisals on the Cossack leadership, and the rank and file of the Cossack soldiery was shipped eastward to be used for the settlement of Siberia.

Austrians fail to curb violence as Hungarian rebellion expands


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

General Montecuccoli had assured the Emperor that he would be able to crush the rebellious Hungarians and Croatians, and so was given permission by Leopold to use whatever means necessary. The Army of the Danube approached the rebel Hungarians outside Pressburg, but the Magnates had been forewarned of the Austrian approach. Before the Austrians could engage the kuruc army, the rebels had slipped away into the countryside. Montecuccoli wrote to Leopold of the cowardice of the rebels and the disintegration of their army, but he had misjudged the situation entirely. The Magnates and a coterie of foreign officers, realizing they couldn't defeat the professional Austrian army and their skilled commander in open battle, had decided upon a guerilla strategy. The rebel army was disbanded and replaced with bands of kuruc rovers. Using lighting fast raids, followed by equally fast retreats, the kurucs were able to severely weaken the Austrian army, which was left floundering. As the Austrians pursued the kurucs in vain, across rugged terrain in the face of a hostile local population, thousands of men were lost to attrition. By the end of the year nearly all of Hungary and Croatia, outside of the major cities, was in open revolt against the Habsburgs. Montecuccoli wrote to the Emperor of his failure, blaming the disloyalty of the populace, and was forced to acknowledge that the rebellion was now far stronger than it had been at any point the previous year.
 
Cardinal Pietro Vidoni of the Flying Squadron elected Pope Callixtus IV


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The Papal Conclave opened in 1671 for its third year in a row, with the throne of St. Peter still left vacant. The Conclave received a most shocking message from the King of France, which declared that if Pietro Vidoni were not elected Pope he would be installed via military force. Vidoni, however, was an independent-minded Cardinal and leader of the Flying Squadron, and he had no desire to owe his Papal throne to the King of France. Outraged, he declared that France had no right to threaten the Cardinals, who were independent men with the best interests of the Church at heart. With Vidoni distancing himself from the French, Cardinal Emilio Bonaventura Altieri saw an opportunity to win himself the Papal tiara by ingratiating himself with the French. With French backing, and his opponents divided between Vidoni and Benedetto Odescalchi, Aliteri nearly succeeded. That is, until the Queen Regent of Spain decided to use her right of Jus exclusivae, informing the Conclave that Aliteri as the Pope would be unacceptable to Spain, and in a last-minute reversal instructed her Cardinals to back Vidoni to stop Aliteri's election. With the votes of the Spanish and Austrian Cardinals, not to mention his own Flying Squadron, Vidoni was elected as the next Pope, taking the name Callixtus IV. He is expected to be an impartial pontiff, and has declared that he will not consider the interests of foreign powers when making his decisions.

Polish King Michael deposed by Sejm, killed in escape! John III Sobieski elected new King


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

King Michael I of Poland-Lithuania had managed to avoid rebellion in the Commonwealth in 1670, and hoped to further stabilize his throne in the coming year. However, the economy had continued to worsen, and dissent was rising to an uncontrollable level. At meetings of the Sejm, widespread anger and derision was pelted upon the King for not doing enough to help the country. The King and Parliament became bitter foes, with the King in turn accusing the Sejm of not allowing him to do enough through the abuse of the liberum veto. Meanwhile, the people of Poland continued to starve while the Sejm and King argued. Finally, John Sobieski, a powerful nobleman and popular hero for his military victories in the darkest days of the 1650s, decided to act. First, he got into contact with the commanders of the main two royal armies in Poland and Lithuania, and ensured that they would not oppose him if he took over the government. Then, with his own large personal army, which he had by merit of being a leading magnate, Sobieski stormed into the Sejm one day in 1671. With the room silenced by his troops, he denounced both the King and the slzatcha for their disfunctionality. The King was seized by Sobieski's men, and the members of the Sejm deemed hostile were purged. Next, with the Sejm now loyal to him, Michael was deposed and Sobieski, as John III, unanimously elected in his place. In the ensuing coronation ceremony, tens of thousands of Poles celebrated on the streets of Warsaw. But Sobieski was not finished, as he now intended to deal with the former King.

King Michael was brought before the Sejm, indicted on charges of neglecting his kingly duties and violating his coronation oath. Michael, aged far beyond his years, knew what his fate would be with this parliament of loyalists to the new King. But his wife, Eleonore of Austria, remained loyal to her unfortunate husband. She was allowed to visit the King in his cell, and, after bribing the guards, smuggled a knife into Michael's cell, which he used to saw away at the prison bars. Together, they fled west toward her home country of Austria in disguise. While staying in Poznan, however, Michael had taken off his disguise, despite the warnings of his wife. Michael, deluded, believed himself still popular with the common folk, and assured his wife that even if recognized no one would do him harm. Of course, the King was recognized, and in the gruesome scene that followed the royal couple were set upon by a patrol of soldiers and beat to death. Upon hearing of their deaths, King Sobieski expressed his sorrow and regret, especially at the death of the lady - a half-sister of the Holy Roman Emperor - but reasoned that they had brought their ends upon themselves by fleeing from justice.

Russians and Ottomans attack Persia, Tabriz captured and Isfahan under threat!


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The Shah of Persia garnered great criticism in 1671 from the powers of Europe for his belligerence toward European traders and encouragement of piracy. The Russians used it as a pretext for their invasion, suspending the Tehran Agreement of non-aggression. At the same time, the Ottoman Empire also invaded Persia, meaning the Safavids were attacked on two sides. First, the Russian Army of Smolensk was redeployed to Circassia, an ally of the Shah's. In the battle of Otradnaya, the Russians narrowly defeated the Circassians, who fiercely defended their homeland. Russian progress was slowed, however, due to the difficult terrain of the Caucasus. The Russian Army of Ruthenia, redeployed in Dagestan, advanced into Persian territory, but was defeated by the forces of the Shah at Babayurt, managing to withdraw in good order.

To the south, the Ottomans launched a two-pronged attack against Iran. The Army of the Caucasus was sent to northern Persia, where it made good progress, besieging and capturing the major city of Tabriz. However, as they continued eastward they encountered a Safavid army at Mehraban. The battle proved to be a bloody stalemate, and the Ottomans halted their advance to recover. The Turkish Army of Mesopotamia, meanwhile, was ordered to launch an assault in southern Persia, with the goal being the capture of the capital of Isfahan. Meeting a Safavid Army at Ahvaz, the Turks triumphed and forced the Persians back, but were unable to reach Isfahan within the year due to the unfamiliar terrain. The Persian ally of Muscat was also subject to an Ottoman naval invasion, and was almost completely taken over by the Turks. However, elsewhere the Shah's troops were more successful. Far to the east, the Persian war against Bukhara continued to go well for the Safavids. In the Battle of Samarkand, the Persians triumphed but took heavy losses, before proceeding to conquer most of the Khanate.

Danes destroy Ottoman colony, while colonial tensions mount in West and East Indies


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1671 saw a continuance of the colonial struggles that had occurred the previous year, largely stemming from Denmark-Norway's colonial expansion. Another new colonial power, the Ottomans, came into conflict with the Danes. The Turkish settlement in the East Indies was in desperate need of supplies, so the Sultan ordered several supply ships to the colony, which attracted the attention of the Dutch. Several Dutch ships were sent to the colony, peacefully passing by and curiously observing that it was located in New Holland. The next European visitors to the colony, however, were not so peaceful. A Danish fleet of 10 ships intercepted the Ottoman supply convoys on their way to the colony, sinking them. Without the needed supplies, the Turkish colony collapsed and was completely abandoned. The Danes also continued to settle the coast of Ghana, seeking trade opportunities, but the natives still reacted with hostility. Denmark faced attacks from natives in the Spice Islands as well, and in the West Indies the infamous pirate Roche Braziliano launched several attacks on Danish shipping. On the other side of Africa, a Danish outpost was settled on Madagascar, but they weren't the only ones with the idea. The English, too, set up a nearby settlement on the island, as well as on Socotra, though their attempt to settle the Maldives was repelled by the locals.

France invades Spanish Netherlands and Dutch Republic!


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Louis XIV, after hearing out the arguments made by his secretary for war Louvois and his top diplomat Pomponne, made the decision to go to war with the Dutch Republic, and by extension the Kingdom of Spain. The chance for martial glory was just too great to pass up. Led by the Prince of Condé, the French army immediately invested the city of Cambrai, which surrendered after a short siege. Next they captured Mons, but while on their way to Brussels came into contact with the Spanish Army of Flanders, which had been ordered to the area after the surprise French attack. The two armies met at Steenkirk, where the Spanish were overwhelmed by the larger French force. The Spaniards retreated to the fortified city of Namur, but instead of pursuing them the French continued on to Brussels, which fell after a siege. After that came Antwerp, which surrendered in turn after being besieged. Finally, the French were ready to move into their true target, the Netherlands.

Dutch patrols had forewarned the Grand Pensionary of the French advance, so the Dutch States Army was prepared and in a defensive position at Breda when the French launched their attack. At first the odds seemed to favor the Dutch, as Condé ordered a rather reckless charge early on, but the brilliant veteran general was able to ingeniously turn the tide. The battle ended in a severe defeat for the Dutch, who suffered heavy losses and were forced to retreat west to their fortifications at Bergen op Zoom. Rather than chase the Dutch forces, Condé chose to continue his advance northward, besieging and capturing first s'Hertogenbosch, and then the city of Nijmegen by the end of the year.

The French also launched a naval attack against the Republic. Seeking to overrun the Dutch both on land and at sea, a French fleet of 50 ships was ordered to attack the Dutch coast. Off the coast of the island of Walcheren, the French fleet met a Dutch fleet commanded by Michiel de Ruyter. In the ensuing naval battle fought in the Schooneveld, the French were taken off guard by the ability of de Ruyter, whose skilled leadership saw the Dutch deliver a crushing defeat to their foes. De Ruyter was celebrated throughout the Provinces for his great victory, as the legend of the Dutch admiral who had once sailed down the Medway only increased.

Danish King Frederick III passes away peacefully, Charles II of Spain in health crisis


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Frederick III, King of Denmark-Norway since 1648, died peacefully in his palace from natural causes, and was succeeded by his son Christian V. The King established absolutism in Denmark in 1660, and 10 years later built up an impressive colonial empire, which he continued to manage with the utmost precision up to his last moments. Like his legendary father, he will be remembered as one of the great Danish Kings who did so much for his realm and people. Meanwhile, King Charles II of Spain, already a sickly and disabled child, saw his health take a drastic turn for the worse. Throughout the year, the King was afflicted with vomiting and violent seizures, and at times was so weak that he could not rise from his bed. His leading physicians, however, have promised to the Queen Regent that her son will recover. Even so, Mariana may have to start looking for a diplomatic solution to the Spanish succession a little sooner than she would have hoped for.

Protestant council expands its membership, but fails to reach consensus


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

King Charles's ecumenical council in London opened for the second year in 1671, able to welcome many new members to its ranks. Among the new arrivals included churchmen from Denmark, Sweden, and Brandenburg-Prussia, as well as several distinguished theologians representing their respective sects, such as John Amos Comenius for the Hussites and George Fox for the Quakers. Nathaniel Crew, the English King's Clerk of the Closet and a man of the cloth, chaired the proceedings. First, he put forward a list, including such men as Luther and Calvin, to be named as Great Teachers of the Faith; a list of the Three Forerunners of Protestantism; and acknowledged Martin Bucer and Jacobus Arminius for their devotion to ecumenicalism. All these articles were agreed to by the various Protestant sects, with only a few objections.

Next, Crew proposed five key points of the Protestant faith. All the articles were agreed to with ease, save one, the Affirmation of the Trinity. Among the dissenters included some Unitarians, who voiced their disagreement with the doctrine. This caused widespread revulsion among most of the rest of the council, who demanded that the Unitarians be thrown out and excluded from the council for heresy. One of the Swedish bishops made a comment to the Unitarians - "in my country we burn your type at the stake" - which received loud applause from the rest of the council. Finally, Crew agreed to expel the Unitarians, who walked out in shame and disgrace, and the last Doctrine of Faith was agreed to. But as soon became clear, these simple articles of faith were not enough to unite the Protestants. The debate about idolatry from last year's session of the council remained unresolved, and it raged on into 1671. So too did discussion over the nature of the Lord's Supper, and a three-way debate ensued between the Calvinists, the Lutherans, and the Anglicans, all pitted one against the other. By the end of 1671, the council had failed to reach agreement on these two crucial issues, and thus remained unable to proceed further.

French buccaneers attack Veracruz, but are forced to withdraw by Spanish


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Spain's forceful response to last year's pirate attacks may have deterred some privateers from trying their luck, but not Daniel Montbars or Michel de Grammont. The French pirates' hunger for gold and treasure simply could not be stifled, so the two men set off from Tortuga in 1671, headed west for Veracruz. Once they landed they began their usual plundering, but were then rudely interrupted when one of their men watching the coast informed them that he had spotted a Spanish fleet in the distance, coming toward their position. The pirates reluctantly wrapped up their business and came back to the shore, hurrying onboard their ships. They sailed out from the coast and were pursued by the Spanish fleet for several hours, losing multiple ships to Spanish bombardments in the process, but were finally able to shake off their pursuers and reach the safe port of Tortuga. Veracruz had been raided, but thanks to the timely intervention of the Spanish fleet the settlement was spared the destruction that had come to Spain's raided cities in 1670.

English Tangier stormed by Ottomans!


(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The port of English Tangier was a rather neglected colony in England's empire, manned by a small garrison and a drunk for a governor. The city was not prepared, therefore, when a Turkish fleet suddenly appeared off the coast. The garrison initially panicked, and were set to fright when the Turks began bombarding the city walls. Once a breach was made in the walls, a Turkish army disembarked on the coast and stormed through, easily overwhelming the garrison. The governor, the Earl of Middleton, went on his knees and begged the Turkish commander to spare his life and not sell him into Barbary slavery, offering to "kill every one of my surviving men with my bare hands" if it was the only way he would be allowed to return to England. The Turk, pitying this sad man, permitted him to sail to England, and so the pathetic governor made his exit. The next day the flag of England was lowered from Tangier, and in its place rose the emblem of the Ottoman Turks.

[Wikipedia delenda est]

King and Country: The XVII Century

Turn III: 1672

Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Major Powers:

Kingdom of France: King Louis XIV (dkrolga)
Ottoman Empire: Sultan Mehmed IV (jdb)
Kingdom of England: King Charles II (Kingpoleon)
Archduchy of Austria: Emperor Leopold I (Kalwejt)
Kingdom of Spain: Queen Regent Mariana (Dereich)
United Provinces of the Netherlands: Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt (Donerail)
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway: King Christian V (JacksonHitchcock)
Tsardom of Russia: Tsar Alexis I (YPestis25)
Brandenburg-Prussia: Elector Frederick William (King Saul)
Kingdom of Sweden: Queen Regent Hedwig Eleonora (New Tennessean Politician)

Economic Standings:
United Provinces of the Netherlands- Very Strong
Brandenburg-Prussia- Strong
Kingdom of England- Strong
Ottoman Empire- Strong
Kingdom of France- Moderate
Archduchy of Austria- Moderate
Tsardom of Russia- Moderate
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway- Moderate
Kingdom of Sweden- Moderate
Kingdom of Spain- Weak

Popularity:
King Louis XIV- Very High
King Christian V- High
Elector Frederick William- High
King Charles II- High
Sultan Mehmed IV- High
Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt- Moderate
Tsar Alexis I of Russia- Moderate
Queen Regent Mariana- Moderate
Emperor Leopold I- Moderate
Queen Regent Hedwig Eleonora- Moderate

Kingdom of Spain:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Queen Regent Mariana, the French have launched a surprise invasion of the Spanish Netherlands. The Army of Flanders and the poorly managed forts in the region proved little match for the Grand Condé, who swept through the Low Countries and into the Dutch Republic with ease. Now, the main Spanish army in the region sits in Namur, with no clear strategy. The war will also undoubtedly strain the Spanish economy, which remains weak in spite of the sale of several colonies and multiple trade deals. Perhaps beneficial loans could be secured from your Dutch allies, whose riches are envied by all Europe. How will you manage the conduct of the war in the coming year?

-A Spanish settlement was once again subject to harassment by Caribbean pirates in 1671. Two French buccaneers led an assault on the city of Veracruz, but the fleet sent to protect Spanish colonies successfully chased them off before too much damage could be done. The last two years have proved the necessity of that fleet, and your advisors urge that it remain in service in spite of increasing costs. On the other side of the world, your attempt to befriend the natives of the Spice Islands and Papua New Guinea - with exotic new luxuries in mind - proved fruitless. How will you oversee the continued operation of the Spanish colonial empire in 1672?

-Besides the French invasion, the most-talked about subject at court was the health of the King. Over the course of last year Charles’s health worsened significantly, causing worried speculation on the issue of the succession. If the King were to die, the throne would fall to either of his older sisters, one the Queen of France, the other the Holy Roman Empress. Clearly, both options would mean the effective end of Spanish independence. Even if the King survives - as his physicians insist he will - this frightening prospect can’t be put off forever, and sooner or later it will have to be confronted. In better news, the Papal conclave came to an end last year, with a compromise candidate being named Callixtus IV. The Jus exclusivae was utilized successfully, with the candidate most favored by the French failing to be elected. Will you attempt to resolve the succession this year, or will you continue to avoid the issue?

Kingdom of France:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-King Louis, your forces have successfully invaded the Spanish Netherlands and the Dutch Republic. Many forts in the network of Flemish fortresses have surrendered to your siegeworks, and both the Spanish and Dutch armies have been defeated in battle. The Grand Condé sits in occupied Nijmegen, awaiting orders as to where to go next. The Dutch army is in Bergen op Zoom, leaving the north open to Condé’s men. You could order the army to continue northward, or head west and besiege Bergen op Zoom to force the States Army into battle once again. The naval war has proved less glorious, with your fleet suffering a decisive defeat on the Schooneveld at the hands of de Ruyter. Meanwhile, at court Colbert has informed you of a noticeable dip in French coffers, already evident after one year of campaigning. Clearly the war will cost money, so perhaps new methods of finance should be explored. How will you build on last year’s successes in the Dutch War?

-Events in Poland-Lithuania have caught the eye of several at court. King Michael, an Austrian ally, was overthrown by John Sobieski and later killed along with his wife, a Habsburg herself. Sobieski is known by your diplomats in Poland to harbor pro-French feelings, and in the election of 1669 he provided strong support for the candidacy of the Grand Condé. The uprising in Poland thus provides an opportunity, so says Louvois and other ambitious ministers, to expand French influence in the east and outflank the Habsburgs. Will you offer support to the new Polish King, who - owing to the method in which he took the throne - is likely to be embattled?

-The Papal conclave reacted with offense and injury to your proposed military intervention, and in the ensuing backlash Pietro Vidoni was elected Pope Callixtus IV - not with your backing, but thanks to the votes of Spanish and Austrian cardinals. Now you could either follow up on your threat - likely provoking further outrage among Catholics - or back down, thus opening yourself up to ridicule and claims of cowardice. Issues of religion have also caused fighting in Habsburg Hungary to intensify, developments which are being closely observed at court. How will you resolve the crisis with the Papacy, and what actions will you take regarding the kuruc rebellion?

Kingdom of England:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-King Charles, though some progress was made at the Protestant Council last year, a consensus failed to be reached. While the theologians agreed to your proposed Doctrines of the Protestant faith, disagreement continued on the issues of iconography and the Lord’s Supper, with no evident path forward. Each sect is firmly committed to their own interpretations, so how you can convince them to set these beliefs aside it is unclear. With the council now entering its third year, significant numbers of theologians have expressed that, due to an inability to reach agreement on crucial matters of doctrine, they intend to not attend next year’s session. Some of your bishops have urged you to declare victory on account of the Doctrines of Faith and close the council before defections begin occurring, but this could be perceived as admitting defeat. Will you hold firm and continue the proceedings of the council, or choose to move on to other things?

-The surprise French invasion of the Spanish Netherlands and the Dutch Republic has caused quite a stir. Public opinion seems to favor the French - or at least, disfavor the Dutch - as there remains a strong appetite for revenge over the war that ended some five years ago. In Parliament the majority also looks down upon the Dutch, while the opposition Country Party, led by William Coventry, insists instead that a peace should be imposed upon the warring parties - a la 1668 - in order to halt French expansionism and defend the Protestant interest. Closer to the person of Your Majesty, the Cabal and the Duke of Buckingham have pledged to support whatever course you take, and if that course be war will work to convince Parliament to raise the necessary troops and funds. Even closer to your ear is your brother the Duke of York, who has privately pushed for intervention in the war on the side of the French, opining that it could present an opportunity to oust de Witt and advance the interests of the House of Orange. What policy will you pursue regarding the Franco-Dutch War?

-Colonially, England continued to expand in 1671. Trading missions were sent to Tungning, Hainan, and Japan, with the Taiwanese post proving especially successful. In Socotra and Madagascar new settlements were founded, though the latter settlement is nearby a new Danish colony also just established. Your attempt to settle the Maldives, however, was met with native resistance and failed. Most significant of all was the loss of Tangier. A Turkish fleet appeared outside that North African port city and viciously stormed it, giving no justification for their violent act. It has caused outrage across the Kingdom, and angry London broadsides have been published demanding that the colony be retaken at once. How will you manage the English colonial empire in 1672?

United Provinces of the Netherlands:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt, without warning French troops have invaded the Provinces. The States Army was defeated at Breda and has fled to Bergen op Zoom, while the French have reached the River Waal and captured Nijmegen and much of southern Gelderland. If things continue as they have started, the French could have the whole nation conquered by the end of next year. In response, there has been a growing movement for William of Orange to be appointed as Captain-General of the States Army. Many insist that only he is strong and skilled enough to beat back the French and save the country. However, if William were to be made head of the army, your position as head of the Republic would be immediately threatened. The Prince of Orange is still supported by many as the rightful Stadtholder, and if given head of the army he could use it to achieve that end. What decision will you make regarding William of Orange?

-In order to halt the French advance and protect Holland, some ministers have suggested that you let loose the Dutch Water Line. By opening the dykes, the province would be effectively turned into an island, thus requiring the French to undergo a difficult river crossing to reach Den Haag. While this could prove useful, other ministers have warned that it could disrupt Holland’s trade and communications with the rest of the Provinces, thus ultimately hindering the war effort. Will you choose to flood the Water Line for the defense of Holland?

-Due to the outbreak of war with France, new allies could prove beneficial to the Republic. Some ministers have suggested you pursue an English alliance like in 1668, but there are major differences that lay in the way. King Charles and the Stuarts are known to favor the House of Orange due to familial ties and have little reason to support a man like yourself, who so thoroughly humiliated them in the last war. There is also the Holy Roman Emperor, who can always be counted on to oppose the interests of France, but now may not be the best time for him, as he is currently occupied with his own issues. Additionally, the Scandinavian kingdoms remain untethered to either side, and in the past you proved successful in convincing the Swedes to join the Triple Alliance. Whatever allies you pursue, the substantial riches of the Republic could be used to sweeten any deal. How will you attempt to gain new allies in the fight against the French?

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-King Christian, welcome to the throne of Denmark-Norway. As King, you must honor your late father’s legacy, which he left to you in the form of a large colonial empire recently created. He also sent more settlers to Ghana, though they were met by native resistance, as were colonists in the Spice Islands. Additionally, a new settlement in Madagascar was established, while in the West Indies Roche Braziliano began to harry Danish shipping. How will you preserve, or to seek to expand, your colonial empire?

-One of your late father’s last actions as King was to order an attack on an Ottoman supply convoy in the East Indies, which resulted in the destruction of the Turkish colony in New Holland. The news of the event was received with joy by the Danish people, who celebrated the King’s decision as a heroic last effort of their godly prince. However, the court of Constantinople may not be so pleased at the destruction of their colony, and a Turkish response is likely. Your ministers for colonial affairs are urging you to bolster colonial defenses to prepare for retaliation. How will you protect your colonies from possible Turkish attacks?

-Possibly the biggest news to reach the Danish court last year was the outbreak of the Franco-Dutch War. Though not directly concerning Denmark, it would be a mistake to think it unimportant to the Kingdom. Denmark-Norway, as a leading Baltic and naval power, is likely to be pursued by both sides for intervention in the war. One of your chief ministers, Peder Schumacher, has stated that it would be wisest to wait and see how your Swedish rival reacts before taking a stance on the war. How will you react to the war in the Netherlands?

Kingdom of Sweden:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Queen Regent Eleonora, King Charles will turn 17 at the end of the year and will begin to rule on his own. As you prepare the young King for his coronation, you must pave the way for a smooth transition of power. How will you ready the King for taking the reins of government?

-The tumultuous events in Poland have caught the eye of many at the Swedish court. The Second Northern War ended over 10 years ago with no territorial changes, and there are still many disputed lands in Courland and Livonia. If ever there was a time to invade again, now might be that time, and the regicide of King Michael could easily be used as justification. Will you intervene in Poland to gain new territories?

-Though far from Sweden, the events of the Franco-Dutch War have not escaped the ears at court. France is a traditional ally of your nation, but more recently you chose to side with the Dutch when joining the Triple Alliance of 1668. Your armies and fleets would be valuable for either side, and it is probable that your help will be solicited by ministers from both countries. How will you formulate Swedish policy in regard to the Franco-Dutch War?

Tsardom of Russia:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Tsar Alexis, Stenka Razin and his Cossacks have been crushed and order restored to the Tsardom. The region along the Volga remains devastated, however, and the city of Tsaritsyn was partially destroyed in the battle. How will you rebuild the areas hit hardest by the Cossack rebellion?

-Though the invasions of Circassia and the Safavid Empire were aided by the element of surprise, your troops only made limited progress and in the latter instance were defeated by a Persian army. This allowed Tabriz, the goal of the campaign, to fall into Turkish hands, as - in what appears to be a shocking coincidence - the Ottomans also chose to invade Persia last year. How will you direct the war with the Safavids in 1672?

-Your diplomatic mission to the court of Peking was received by the Qing Emperor, but before he is willing to agree to a trade deal or a non-aggression pact, he would first like to clarify the Sino-Russo border. Specifically, the disputes over Nerchinsk, Albazino, and Jaxa must be resolved to the Emperor’s satisfaction before friendly relations can be established. How will you attempt to reach a deal with the Qing on the border issue?

Brandenburg-Prussia:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Elector Frederick William, the outbreak of the Franco-Dutch War has been received with great interest at court. If the Emperor chooses to intervene on the side of the Dutch, some of your advisors have stated that cooperating with him and joining in the fight could help patch up relations, which have been frosty in recent years. On the other hand, you have long received subsidies from the King of France, and these could dry up quickly if you pursue a policy hostile to his interests. What will be your stance on the Franco-Dutch War?

-Last year, the Hungarian rebellion continued to expand throughout the lands of the Austrian Habsburgs. Though you expressed to your council your vehement agreement with the rebel cause, no effective action was taken to support the kurucs. Will you continue to hope and pray for the success of the uprising from the sidelines, or decide to take direct action on behalf of your fellow Protestants?

-The deposition and killing of the Polish monarchs has created a stir in Eastern Europe. Due to its intestinal problems, Poland-Lithuania is now perceived by many as weak and ripe for attack, with the regicides as ample justification for any enterprising prince. Many of your advisors at court are now encouraging you to invade Polish Royal Prussia, and thus connect the states of Brandenburg and Ducal Prussia. Will you consider an attack on Poland-Lithuania?

Archduchy of Austria:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Emperor Leopold, the upheaval in neighboring Poland-Lithuania has had major reverberations in Austria. King Michael and his Queen, your half-sister Eleonore of Austria, were both murdered at the hands of Polish soldiers. Now, many at the Imperial court are calling for blood, demanding that you intervene in Poland to avenge Eleonore’s death. The new King, Sobieski, is also known to harbor pro-French tendencies, so removing him from power could have the added benefit of weakening the Sun King’s influence. How will you respond to the turmoil in Poland-Lithuania?

-The insurrection in Hungary and Croatia noticeably grew over the course of 1671. General Montecuccoli, try as he might, proved unsuccessful in repressing the rebels. Now, it is clear a new strategy must be attempted, but the way forward remains unclear. Some advisers suggest that you pull back on re-Catholicization, while others argue that only a crushing combination of military and religious force can cow the traitors. What will you do to quell the kuruc insurgents?

-West of the Empire, French troops have invaded the Spanish Netherlands and the Dutch Republic. The Spanish are fellow Habsburgs and close allies, and the Dutch - while heretics - are nevertheless a valuable check on French power and perhaps worth saving. Many at court are calling for Austria to intervene in their defense, but other voices have cautioned that with civil conflict at home and trouble in Poland, the realm should not overextend its military forces. Will you intervene in the Dutch war to defend the Republic?

[Wikipedia delenda est]

Ottoman Empire:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Sultan Mehmed, your colonial project in New Holland came to an abrupt end when the supply convoy sent for its requisition was destroyed by a Danish fleet. In the ensuing fury at court, the viziers have argued with each other over the best response. One vizier has suggested that the entire Ottoman fleet be used to its full potential, inflicting massive and widespread attacks across Denmark’s entire colonial empire world to cripple the infidels and bring down upon them the wrath of Allah. Other viziers have been more cautious, suggesting that to avoid a larger naval confrontation it would be wiser to choose just one Danish target to strike. Meanwhile, the colonial expedition to occupy the Congo river basin also met with failure, as the natives were extremely hostile and drove back your men. In spite of these failures, the capture of Tangier was met with jubilation, though the English are reportedly very upset. What will be your overseas strategy for 1672?

-The newly begun war against the Safavids went extremely well in its first year, prompting celebrations across the Empire. The Army of Ahvaz defeated the Persians in battle and began a march toward Isfahan, almost reaching the city by the end of the year. To the north, the major city of Tabriz was captured, after which a bloody battle against the Persians was fought to a draw. If things continue as they have thus far, it is likely Isfahan will fall, perhaps ending hundreds of years of Safavid rule. How will you build on the successes of last year in the war against the Safavids?

-As observed from Constantinople, Eastern Europe endured major crises of stability last year. In Habsburg Hungary, the Protestant rebellion against the Holy Roman Emperor continued to grow and gain adherents. Though you have a treaty of non-aggression with the Austrians, some of your viziers are begging you to invade Hungary in support of the rebels, as they see a once in a generation opportunity to finally achieve the centuries-long dream of capturing Vienna. Further east, in Poland-Lithuania John Sobieski deposed the King and Queen of the Commonwealth, both of whom were later killed by soldiers. This, your other viziers argue, is a better situation to intervene in, as the realm is so unstable that it would be unlikely to resist effectively. What will your response be to the chaotic events in Eastern Europe?

Armies, Navies, and Locations

Kingdom of Spain
72,200 Men. 25,000 in Army of Iberia, 17,200 in Army of Flanders, 15,000 in Army of Lombardy, 15,000 in Army of Naples
(Can raise 33,000 more)
94 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of France
95,900 Men. 25,000 in Army of the Pyrenees, 45,900 in Army of Wallonia, 25,000 in Army of the Rhine
(Can raise 106,000 more)
83 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of England
5,000 Men in Army of England.
(Can raise 10,000 more)
100 Ships of the Line

United Provinces of the Netherlands
41,400 Men in Dutch States Army.
(Can raise 44,000 more)
113 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway
27,700 Men. 15,000 in Army of Denmark, 5,000 in Army of Norway, 2,000 in Army of the Caribbean, 2,200 in Army of Ghana, 2,000 in Army of India, 2,000 in Andaman/Indian garrisons, 500 in Army of Madagascar
(Can raise 8,500 more)
35 Ships of the line

Kingdom of Sweden
35,000 Men. 10,000 in Army of Sweden, 5,000 in Army of Pomerania, 10,000 in Army of the Baltic,
10,000 in Army of Finland
(Can raise 36,500 more)
35 Ships of the Line

Tsardom of Russia
68,100 Men. 14,200 in Army of Ruthenia, 12,600 in Army of Smolensk, 5,000 in Army of Siberia, 15,000 in Army of Kola, 21,300 in Army of Caucasus
(Can raise 6,000 more)
0 Ships of the Line

Brandenburg-Prussia
10,000 Men. 7,500 in Army of Brandenburg, 2,500 in Army of Prussia
(Can raise 25,000 more)
15 Ships of the Line

Archduchy of Austria
47,600 Men. 22,600 in Army of the Danube, 25,000 in Army of Germany
(Can raise 48,000 more)
0 Ships of the Line

Ottoman Empire
122,800 Men. 45,000 in Army of the Danube, 28,200 in Army of Mesopotamia, 30,700 in Army of the Caucasus, 9,800 in Army of North Africa, 8,500 in Army of Arabia
(Can raise 4,000 more)
73 Ships of the Line

[DKrol]

Proclamation from the King of France

A new tax of 3% will be imposed on all imported goods into the realm, as well as an additional 3% tax on goods imported from England, Spain, or the Italian States.

A new tax will be imposed on all land owners of all conquered lands in order to provide for their safety, security, and well-being. The tax will be 7% of the French-assessed value of the land. This tax can also be paid through six months of service in the army.

All new taxes will take effect immediately.

[Kingpoleon]

The Royal Charter Regarding the Establishment of a Central Bank

A Royal Bank of the Isles shall immediately be established to print and distribute banknotes and all currency under the British sovereign.

Dudley North shall serve as Governor. A Board of Bank Supervisors, including the Duke of Beaufort, Sir Francis Child, Josiah Child, John Locke, and Sir James Steuart of Coltness, shall serve as oversight, and the House of Commons and the House of Lords shall elect four more members each to join the Board of the Bank Supervisors, but no Supervisor alone shall be able to influence the duties and actions of the Bank, and all shall serve at the pleasure of those members of Parliament who appointed them and His Royal Majesty.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Treaty of Isfahan

1. A formal state of peace shall exist between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires.
2. The Ottoman Empire shall annex areas shown on the map below:

X Sultan Mehmed IV

[Wikipedia delenda est]

Treaty of Isfahan

1. A formal state of peace shall exist between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires.
2. The Ottoman Empire shall annex areas shown on the map below:

X Sultan Mehmed IV

The Safavid Shah has likewise signed the treaty.

[YPestis25]

After successful negotiations, the representatives of the Russian Tsar are pleased to present the following revised Treaty of Ishafan to the Safavid Shah for his approval.

Treaty of Isfahan

1. A formal state of peace shall exist between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires.
2. A formal state of peace shall exist between the Russian Tsardom and Safavid Empire.
3. The Safavid Empire shall rescind its protection over the Circassian Confederation.
4. The The Ottoman Empire and Russian Tsardom shall annex areas shown on the map below:

xAlexei, Tsar of Russia

[Wikipedia delenda est]

After successful negotiations, the representatives of the Russian Tsar are pleased to present the following revised Treaty of Ishafan to the Safavid Shah for his approval.

Treaty of Isfahan

1. A formal state of peace shall exist between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires.
2. A formal state of peace shall exist between the Russian Tsardom and Safavid Empire.
3. The Safavid Empire shall rescind its protection over the Circassian Confederation.
4. The Ottoman Empire and Russian Tsardom shall annex areas shown on the map below:

xAlexei, Tsar of Russia

The Safavid Shah has likewise signed the treaty.