Concert of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I'm summoning the Prussian, Ottoman and Danish ambassadors for explanation.

"May it please Your Majesty, I'm awaiting update from the Sublime Porte in order to formuate a response."

[Kingpoleon]

King Frederick V of Denmark-Norway-Iceland recognizes Peter III as the rightful Tsar of Russia. We intend to support him diplomatically throughout Europe.

In Poland-Lithuania, we denounce the actions of Alexander II against his nobles and against his peasants.

[Lumine]

A Public Proclaim to all the Monarchs, Nobles, Clergymen and Peoples of Europe:

“England hath long been mad and scarred herself.
The brother blindly shed the brother’s blood.
The father rashly slaughtered his own son.
The son, compelled, been butcher to the sire.
All this divided York and Lancaster,
Divided, in their dire division."

While I’ve never had a liking for Shakespeare and his ghastly plays*, there is a quote on his oft performed Richard III which appears unusually relevant to the divide which we see across our own continent. With ease you can replace “England” for “Europe”, “York and Lancaster” for “Catholic and Protestant”, and have a window into a chaos which threatens to engulf us all.

Two years, almost three have seen most of the armies of the continent fighting across the land, with laudable instances of bravery and terrible moments of crime all together in a war which seems to harken back to an area of inhumanity we had hoped to leave behind. We stand in mutual distrust and distaste, surrounded in fire, blood and the returning specter of the much-dreaded plague, and the death toll rises.

As an anointed monarch, I shall answer before a higher power for my actions and my decisions once I’m gone from with Earth, but my conscience, whether you choose to believe it or not, is clean. Not only have I no involvement with the failed attempts on the life of Francis of Lorraine and His Majesty Louis XV, I remain convinced the spirit and the letter of the Treaty of Paris was carefully followed and respected by the Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica as no Prussian soldier has stepped foot on Russia, abiding thus to the clause of no military intervention to leave those who follow the cause of Ivan VI or Peter III to wage their war.

You may choose to believe the contrary, but that is your decision, and your decision alone.

In terms of the chaos currently present in our continent, we’ve taken steps to reduce the damage. We’ve made peace with Sweden and France, and we are taking steps to address the latest developments in Russia to ensure no situation goes out of control for the powers involved. But what concerns me the most is the ongoing struggle across Germany, a struggle which has already costed thousands of lives and threatens to cost even more.

Make no mistake, I remain convinced as ever that the advantage possessed by the German League and our alliance remains crucial despite the last setbacks, and that this war can and would be won. But one has a duty to consider the cost this would bring on our own lands, subjects, allies and even our enemies. It would make little sense to continue such a costly war until Germany turns into a wasteland of division and hatred, and so we have decided to take a different course of action in hopes for understanding and moderation.

We have extended an olive branch to Francis of Lorraine, and we are prepared to start reasonable negotiations to see an end to the current conflict before it engulfs us all in something neither side can escape.

All of us have lost much on the current road. Young Archduke Joseph has lost his brave, respected mother. I have lost my dear brother Prince Henry, bravest among the bravest and true hero of Prussia. Men and women have fought, bled, suffered and died for different causes they believe in.

May we keep an open mind, and hope a suitable solution can be found.

*: Believe or not, it seems Frederick the Great loathed Shakespeare.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

An official period of mourning shall commence in the Topkapı Palace to honor the memory of noble and brave Prince Henry of Prussia. His death, though honorable for a soldier, leaves a great void.

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty echoes the words of the King of Prussia. All sides suffered enough.

[Spamage]

The Concert of Europe

January 1759

Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Russian Empire- Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (Henry Wallace)
Kingdom of France- King Louis XV Bourbon (Windjammer)
Kingdom of Prussia- King Fredrick II Hohenzollern (Lumine)
Archduchy of Austria- Emperor-Regent Francis (Dereich)
Kingdom of Great Britain- King George II of Hanover (DKrol)
Kingdom of Spain- King Ferdinand VI Bourbon
Ottoman Empire- Sultan Mustafa III Osmanoğlu (Kalwejt)
Kingdom of Sweden- Adolf Frederick (YPestis25)

Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont- Charles Emmanuel III Savoy (TimTurner)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland- Frederick V Oldenburg (Kingpoleon)
Republic of Venice- Doge Francesco Loredan (GOTfan)

Kingdom of Portugal- King Joseph I Braganza (Mike88)

Economic Standings:
Kingdom of Prussia- Strong
Republic of Venice- Strong
Kingdom of Spain- Strong
Kingdom of Portugal- Strong
Kingdom of Great Britain- Moderate
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland- Moderate
Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont-Moderate
Kingdom of Sweden- Moderate
Kingdom of France- Moderate
Ottoman Empire- Weak
Archduchy of Austria-  Very Weak
Russian Empire- Very Weak

Popularity:
Frederick II of Prussia- High
Louis XV of France- High
Frederick V of Denmark- High
Francesco Loredan of Venice- High
Joseph I of Portugal- High
Mustafa III of Ottoman Empire- High
Adolf Frederick of Sweden- Moderate
George II of Great Britain- Moderate
Ferdinand VI of Spain- Moderate
Francis of Tuscany, Regent- Moderate
Catherine of Russia, Regent- Low
Charles Emmanuel III- Low

Ongoing Conflicts:
-War of the Grand Coalitions (Three Years War) Archduchy of Austria, Imperial League, Pauline Russia v. Kingdom of Great Britain, Kingdom of Prussia, Ottoman Empire, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland, German League, Petrine Russia

Russian Empire:

-You have been betrayed Catherine, by your uncle the King of Sweden no less. Despite pretending to hold an alliance with the Russian Empire, Swedish soldiers have seized Riga and Viborg, with St. Petersburg under siege. Though, by the grace of God, you and Paul were able to escape to safer territory, you must now decided whether to face off against the Swedes or continue to pursue the rebels at home. Your former husband has seized Moscow with an army of serfs, upset over your proclamation to re-enslave them. How will you keep your faction in power?

-Many Russians are upset over the attempts of Denmark, Prussia, and the Ottomans to equip a Russian Liberation Army of Swiss against you. Some courtiers are urging for you to reenter the War of the Grand Coalitions and call France back into the fighting as well. Others believe cooler heads must prevail in such dire times and that you should wait until the situation stabilizes in Russia before seeking revenge abroad. Perhaps the intervention by others could be used to raise nationalism at home. What will be done about this insult to your regency?

-The use of the Poles was a brilliant idea, their forces have helped bolster your armies and augment your strength. Yet, it may have been the withdrawal of soldiers from Poland that caused the crisis of the last few months, the Radicals in Warsaw ripping up key tenants of the European order in the name of equality. Some Polish generals have expressed a desire to be relieved of duty in order to send their armies back to Poland and eliminate the National Assembly. This would take away thousands of men fighting for you though. Will you release the Poles and weaken your forces, or keep them and potentially allow the chaos in Poland to continue?

Archduchy of Austria:

-Vienna has been saved, at least for the time being, but Bohemia is still lost. The War is not won yet Francis, and new questions are arising over the way forward. With the German League on the verge of wiping out your allies in Central Germany, the Imperial League winning in the west, and the Ottomans remaining on your border, there is a lot to manage. What is the way forward in this dire war?

-The Plague is spreading through Hungary, killing farmers, merchants, and artisans. The economic impact is already being felt as some lands begin to lie fallow and production is decreased. With is moving north, some fear the same fate awaits Vienna and Germany. How will you manage this wretched illness wracking your population and what efforts will you take to restore the Hungarian economy?

-As if the Plague was not already the worst problem, other parts of the Habsburg realm are facing dizzying inflation. Bread prices have risen with a surprising abundance of currency pouring into several major cities. The lower classes have been priced out of these important goods, while the rich find their fortunes are nowhere near where they once were. Some are calling for a wholesale reorganization of Austria’s finance system, with a new currency, others than the government begin to destroy excess coinage. A third groups demands an investigation into how the financial state could be so shaken so fast. Unless action is taken, it could soon become much more difficult to supply and pay your military men.

Kingdom of France:

-France has been managed well the last 6 months, King Louis. Even with your poisoning, the economy is showing signs of improvement due to the increased taxes and growth in India. There are questions about how France should move forward though, especially in light of the provocative actions undertaken by Prussia and her allies with the “Russian Liberation Army”. While some die-hards are urging you to rejoin the war, others believe that patience would be the best solution. France, they argue, will only prove to be a stronger opponent in the future if it is given time to absorb its gains and expand abroad.

-With your realm now being by far the most dominant European power in India, some are urging you to make overtures to the minor states that once were part of the Mughal Empire. Offering them protectorate status would only further cement your gains, though it risks angering your Maratha allies. Other are even proposing full-scale military action in India, military conquest of the remaining princedoms in order to form a centralized, stable French Raj.

-While the Estates General have been viewed as a success, the question of what to do from here on out remains an elephant in the room. It had been more than a century since it was last called, so some representatives fear that if the session adjourns, it may be another century before it is called again. They desire it to become a permanent deliberative and legislative body, though this would greatly damage any attempts to keep the French Monarchy absolutist, weakening your control over your subjects and the prestige among other European powers. Your conservative advisors are urging you to order it to close by June 1759, but perhaps leave open the option of calling it again in the future. How will you navigate this sensitive issue?

Kingdom of Great Britain:

-With your annexation of the former French land of Louisiana, and Spain’s subsequent purchase of New Orleans from the French, several issues must be addressed. First, the matter of supplying your new territories. In order to get goods to the sparsely populated areas, some of your colonial subjects have formed supply roads through Appalachia and Kentucky. Needless to say, your native allies (particularly the Cherokee and Iroqouis) desire assurances that you will halt any settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains, threatening to end their friendship if you do not agree. Another problem is that the Spanish could close the Mississippi at a moment’s notice, which would paralyze your holdings in the region without access to supplies. Some desire you to attempt to buy the city, others believe connecting with the 13 Colonies is a better solution. What is to be done in your expanded North American holdings?

-Maria Louisa has approached you on behalf of both of your grandson, William V. She offers a splitting of New Holland/Australia, with the Dutch taking the western half and the British controlling the East. She believes this would prevent disputes in the future and ensure bright economic prospects for both realms. Will you accept her offer?

-With the defeat of Oldenburg and the absence of the main Hanoverian Army, some are demanding your soldiers in Ireland begin offensive actions in Germany, hopefully crushing the Imperial League and expanding the power of your rule in the region. While you have the men available, others argue Hanover should be sacrificed in order to save British lives. This would condemn your German subjects to suffering though, what is to be done?

[Spamage]

Kingdom of Prussia:

-Your absence from the Battlefield brought sadness and trouble to the military, with the tragic death of Prince Henry at the Battle of Graz, a site which some argue is cursed for Prussia. Even so, your forces in Bohemia still outnumber the Austrian Army and the horror of the defeat has increased the potential manpower recruitment. The War is not won yet, though it still could be. How will you lead your armies now that you are personally back in control?

-The Bohemian Nobles, upset with the continuation have offered a private proposal regarding how the situation in their realm could be resolved (see PM). Others argue that you should appoint a yourself as the leader of that realm, increasing the amount of land you directly control. Still a third group sees a Bohemian noble as the most likely option for stability in the region. With your regional government established over the last few months, who is to be chosen to operate it?

-There remain around 30,000 Swiss mercenaries, survivors of the ill-fated attempt to liberate Russia. Having landed in Pomerania, they remain committed to fighting for you, so long as they are paid. With the situation in West Germany having deteriorated, some are calling for them to be sent there in order to rekindle the war effort. Others believe they would be better used in Central Germany. Still a third group believes they should join with the Royal Army. Or you could always send them home. What will you decide?

Ottoman Empire:

-The Plague ravages the Balkans, just as much as Hungary, spreading through the land and killing your subjects. With your army on the Danube having likely survived the worst of it, some believe ambitious offensive moves should be taken into either Croatia, Hungary, or Transylvania, catching the ailing people off-guard. Yet, with the arrival of Spanish soldiers and the Hungarian Guard, some urge continued caution, even if it is becoming less popular among the Ottoman people. How will you solves these developing situations north of Istanbul?

-There have been a variety of concerning incidences along the border of Wallachia and Poland, especially since the National Assembly made its ambitious set of reforms. Local officials report attempts by the Poles to build connections with the locals, smuggle in supplies, and formulate discontent against vassalage to Istanbul. Instead they preach a common, Christian identity with the Wallachians. This has concerned many Ottomans, what is to be done about it?

-The Georgian question has come to dominate court discussion over the past few months, with a variety of opinions emerging on the matter. Some believe you should put an end to the matter entirely, using your unoccupied troops to seize the territory for yourself, or at very least establish a puppet regime. Others believe Georgian sovereignty should be respected, even if it means a potentially hostile power bordering Anatolia. Still a third group believes Solomon and his allies should be ignored until the end of the larger war, when concrete actions can be taken without worries elsewhere.

Kingdom of Sweden:

-Peace seems to have returned to Stockholm for the time being, but the events of 1758 cannot be forgotten. The new Hat-led administration in the Riksdag is already demanding formal and aggressive actions be taken against the Caps who either tacitly supported the uprising or outright aided it. While this would be a sensible move in order to ensure domestic tranquility, it also risks re-igniting the tensions that led to the rebellion in the first place. What will you do about the insurrection of Stockholm?

-The return of your wife was a most welcome development, though her immediate demand that you end any investigation into her behavior may not be. Investigators believe the Queen was at the center of a vast web of corruption and plotting, sometimes in favor of your decisions and other times opposed, and that ending the investigation without further research would allow her to re-assume her role at the center of scheming. Will you listen to her demands or continue to look into her actions?

-Your men are sieging St. Petersburg and Riga has fallen. For the first time, it appears the Swedish Empire is on the verge of being resurrected. Even so, your forces in Russia are outnumbered by the joint Russo-Polish forces. Clever management will be necessary if you are to prevent this from going the way of the last Swedish attempt to retake the Baltic.

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland:

-Denmark has expanded due to the victory against Sweden. Your most notable gain was the acquisition of part of French India, with officials swarming into the new “Danish India”. Trade routes are being established between it and Denmark itself, but the opportunity for wealth is clearly present. Will you attempt to form regional allies to protect your land from potential local threats?

-Your recognition of Peter III received widespread acclaim from the potential Tsar. He has requested formal military aid in Russia against Catherine, though after the failure of the Russian Liberation Army, some in Copenhagen are skeptical the situation is feasible, let alone practical with Swedish maneuvers in the area. Will you formally aid Peter in the struggle against Catherine?

-You told the Danish people that the issue of serf freedom would be delayed until after the war. With fighting against Sweden over, at least for the time being, people have begun to ask again. With Poland’s radicals freeing the serfs in that realm, the nobles have become much more hostile to the idea, while the people wish to follow the Polish example. What will you do about this very controversial, divisive, and potentially explosive issue?

[Spamage]

Republic of Venice:

-Your humanitarian mission was harassed by soldiers of both sides in their mission to Germany. Imperial soldiers raided supplies and stole food, while members of the German League charged expensive tolls to cross through their territory. In short, though some good was able to be achieved in Bavaria, your efforts have proven inadequate due to the explosion of the fighting. While your prestige is much higher, especially in the eyes of Venetians, some believe the time has come to withdraw (especially with the Plague seemingly en route).

-Several skirmishes occurred with Barbary pirates once more, though they were beaten back by superior Venetian firepower. Even so, the fact they raided is still obnoxious. Some want you to pay their proposed ransom in order for peace on the sea to be established, while others desire raids on pirate ports, burning their vessels and retaking their stolen goods. This would be a provocative action, which is why others are hesitant. What do you believe is the best solution?

-You have been nominated the Secretary of the League of Armed Neutrality. The other members are looking to you for instruction, especially following the concerning move by Prussia, the Ottomans, and Denmark in Russia. How will you respond to this apparent violation of the Treaty of Paris, especially considering Prussian assertions that they believe they did nothing wrong?

Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont:

-Your son, the Duke of Savoy, has become a vocal conservative, critical of the events in Poland. His denunciations have become so notable, he has been censured by the Polish National Assembly itself. He urges you to take a more forceful action against the distant realm, perhaps through the formation of an embargo league or coalition in the event Poland attempts to spread its revolution. Others see the matter as a distant issue and have urged him to quiet down. What will you do about it?

-Your soldiers were instrumental in giving the Imperial League some much-needed momentum in Germany during the last few months. With Wurttemburg collapsed, where should your men be deployed next? Some are arguing for another shot at invading Bavaria, others that the men should move north. There is a faction at Court that would like the men home as well. To whom will you listen?

-The Prussian gain of Corsica, and the granting of autonomy to the region, has raised questions in Sardinia about local rights. Some radicals, following the examples in Corsica and Poland, desire their own national assembly, which would limit your rights in the region. This would be damaging to your image, but while their numbers remains small, the potential for this discontented movement to grow remains. Will you listen to local demands for autonomy, ignore the issue, or crack down on such treasonous proposals.

Kingdom of Portugal:

-King Joseph, your realm is prosperous, you are popular, and some feelings of order have returned to the Kingdom after victory in the War of the Grand Coalitions. Yet, that does not mean you are without problems, both in Portugal itself as well as throughout your colonies, that must be addressed. At home, there are growing tensions between the traditional nobility and the "new men".  Sebastião de Melo largely represents the up-and-coming class that has challenged many traditional noble roles in government. Which faction will you side with, keeping in mind it will determine your base of support in Portugal.

-The annexation of Santo Domingo was a diplomatic victory. But, with the island now under Portuguese control, the question of land ownership has arisen. There are many local French plantation owners, yet some Portuguese settlers desire these properties be reappropriated to your traditional subjects, with the French being exiled. They believe the foreigners could be dangerous and difficult to manage, always wanting to return to French-rule on the island. Others argue this would enflame local tensions with too little of a reward. What actions will you take regarding this issue?

-The Spanish have a variety of missions east of the Uruguay River that are quite close to your own holdings in Brazil. The local Jesuits have been working to convert the natives, though some argue that they are doing so at the expense of Portuguese regional control. Sebastião de Melo, your close advisor and friend, has always disdained the Jesuits and urges you to remove them by whatever means necessary, in order to reaffirm Portuguese power. Will you negotiate with the Spanish regarding the border of Brazil? Or perhaps the Jesuits should be removed by force?

Armies & Locations

Kingdom of Prussia
126,396 Royal Army
14,500 Army of Berlin
15,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 23,000 more)

Kingdom of France
90,000 Army of France
5,000 Army of Quebec
10,000 Army of India
40,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 100,500 more)

Kingdom of Great Britain
53,232 Army of Ireland
16,000 Army of Britain
28,500 Army of Hanover
15,000 Army & Garrison of the 13 Colonies
9,236 Army of Louisbourg
10,189 Army of Ohio
5,794 Army & Garrison of Australia
(Can raise 10,000 more)

Kingdom of Sweden
49,831 Army of Sweden
8,800 Army of Riga
12,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 5,000 more)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland
15,000 Army of Denmark
29,900 Army of Bohemia
(Can raise 32,000 more)

Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont
25,390 men raised and mobile
8,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 10,000 more)

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

Russian Empire
122,200 Army of North Russia
129,700 Army of Ukraine
(can raise 5,000 more)

Archduchy of Austria
121,800 Army of Austria
65,420 Army of the Danube
13,500 Tuscan Army
(can raise 0 more)

Ottoman Empire
125,534 Army of the Danube
20,000 Army of Istanbul
20,000 Army of Ukraine
35,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 25,000 more)

Republic of Venice
12,000 men raised and mobile
(can raise 20,000 more)


Kingdom of Portugal
20,000 men raised and mobile
10,000 men garrisoned
6,850 Army of Brazil
(Can raise 20,000 more)


Navies of the World
Kingdom of Great Britain
170 Ships of the Line
123 Frigates

Kingdom of France
107 Ships of the Line
51 Frigates

Kingdom of Spain
57 Ships of the Line
28 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
32 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

Russian Empire
31 Ships of the Line
5 Frigates

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

Kingdom of Sweden
23 Ships of the Line
11 Frigates

Ottoman Empire
18 Ships of the Line
8 Frigates

Republic of Venice
10 Ships of the Line
21 Frigates

Kingdom of Prussia
2 Ships of the Line
5 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
32 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

[GoTfan]

Venice's doors remain open to mediate a peace conference between all warring nations

[Dereich]

As representative of both the Hapsburg Empire and the Imperial League, I am willing to accept Venice as a mediating party.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Sublime Porte believed the plague is a common problem and requires common work and solutions.

[windjammer]

It is now vital that peace gets signed as soon as possible.

The plague should concern everyone.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The agreement between recently hostile powers not to intervene in the Russian Civil War is and will remain an empty pledge as long as ostensibly "neutral" powers are pleased to meddle on their own, like Poland-Lithuania, or may serve as proxies for somebody else to meddle.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Sublime Porte would like to hear Polish-Lithuanian explanation regarding strange activities going on regarding Wallachia.

(OOC: What the actual f**k, people?!)

[Kingpoleon]

We, the people of Denmark-Norway-Iceland, grieve for the loss of Prince Henry. He gave us a massive victory and morale boost when it was needed most. If Prince Henry reaps in heaven a tenth of what he sowed on earth, he will be a wealthy man indeed. (OOC: Please ignore the delay. My apologies)

_______________________


We, the King of Denmark, the King of Norway, the King of Iceland, intend to contact the nobles not so hostile to the cause of freeing serfs. Those noble families that support the monarchy, and those that rebel against their families in those that oppose freeing serfs, will receive the land of traitors. That said, we do hereby free the serfs unconditionally. 10,100 serfs will be hired by the army, and the remainder are to be what they wish - be it farmers or merchants or traders or surveyors. Furthermore, those nobles still imprisoned are to be allowed to settle in Greenland. Should they ever leave Greenland, however, they will be considered rebels against the state and to be killed on sight. As for those young men who renounce Sweden and support freeing the serfs, as well as swearing loyalty to the crown and land and the education militarily, they will be in three to five years appointed to positions in Iceland, Greenland, and India. In the meantime, Christian Ditlev Reventlow will be Royal Governor of Danish India, and Christian or Hannibal Wedell will be the Royal Ambassador to Danish India.

[Spamage]

ALEXANDER II FLEES POLAND FOR BERLIN! SUBJECTS RIOT!
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ISSUES ULTIMATUM TO PRUSSIA!

Alexander II took the advice of most of the nobles, as well as a few diplomats from other powers, and resolved to abandon the unstable situation in Poland. The King, his wife, and their children fled Warsaw in the dead of night, riding at breakneck pace north towards East Prussia. Upon crossing into Prussian territory the party slowed its pace and moved towards Berlin, ultimately pleading with Frederick of Prussia to offer them refuge from their "tyrannical subjects".

Alexander II left behind a proclamation in Warsaw denouncing the National Assembly and declaring it to be illegal, though very few listened. The Polish people were outraged their King would abandon them for a foreign power, let alone one that seized Polish territory just a few years ago. Alexander was universally denounced throughout his realm and the National Assembly formally suspended his title, launching an inquiry into the situation. It was soon revealed the King had been in correspondence with Prussia for quite some time, asking for a potential haven several months prior to his flight.

This move has fostered strong feelings of nationalism among the Poles and Lithuanians. Thousands of formerly reluctant young men registered with in the National Guard. Statues of the King, and his predecessors, have been ripped down. The tombs of the former Kings of Poland in Krakow were raided with the bodies of former monarchs, ranging from the Jagiellons to Jan Sobieski and Augustus II, were piled together and set aflame, amid dancing and singing. Meanwhile in Warsaw, during the hours following the news of the King's flight being made public, mobs of citizens stormed the royal palaces of the city. The royal guards were brutally executed, being branded traitors and accomplices of Alexander II, and the buildings looted. The King's former estates have been occupied by peasants, claiming the hereditary lands for themselves.

The National Assembly has officially suspended the monarchy in Poland-Lithuania, announcing the commencement of a trial of Alexander II, regardless of whether or not the King is actually present. "We have had enough of treacherous Kings!" proclaimed one assemblyman, amid a standing ovation in the National Assembly, summing up the general mood of the entire body. Over the next few weeks representatives have resolved to hold a series of meetings to determine the future of Poland. Many Radicals have openly expressed their desire to see a non-traditional government established, perhaps even a republic.

Alexander was not the only individual condemned, with the Assembly ordering the Polish Army to withdraw from Russia, stating any soldiers that did not stop fighting for Catherine would be deemed traitors in the eyes of their government. It remains to be seen how the officers and foot-soldiers in Russia will respond to this provocative move.

In the meantime an ultimatum has been issued to Frederick of Prussia on the part of the National Assembly. They desire the return of Alexander II by June 1st, reminding the Prussian King that the first duty of the sovereign is the well-being of his subjects and, by abandoning Poland, Alexander II has committed a breach of trust. Should he not be returned, they will consider him and his heirs as having abdicated. Furthermore the borders with Prussia will be closed to trade and travel. While they make no mention of war, some are apprehensive that could be the long-term outcome.  

With the spread of the Plague, continued War of the Grand Coalitions in Germany, and War of the Three Tsars in Russia, the Polish realm could pose a major threat to any one of its neighbors. How the Assembly wields its power over the coming months, and if it is able to maintain control in perilous Warsaw, will likely have large ramifications for the rest of the Continent.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Sublime Porte considers happenings in Poland-Lithuania as their internal affairs, but is troubles with needlesly hostile declaration toward Prussia, our ally.

[DKrol]

January 1759
George II of Great Britain

A Proclamation From Kensington Palace

His Majesty the King has secured the realm once again! God Save the King! To celebrate the successful end of the Stuart-ist threat to his rule, His Majesty the King has decide to host a parade through London, to allow the commoners to look upon His Majesty the King and so that he may receive their praise. His Majesty the King will be joined in this parade by Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. There shall be music, cannons, military displays, and all the finery that the realm has to offer, followed by a large feast to celebrate His Majesty the King's success. It shall be a joyous festival for all.

His Majesty the King shall also formally invest John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute as Prime Minister at the feast following the parade. The Earl of Bute has proven himself to be a loyal Scotsman to the Crown and is a favorite of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. As His Majesty the King regretfully grows older in years, it has become apparent that the role of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales must increase to ensure a smooth continuation of power within the realm. This must be the first step in that process.

[Lumine]

From His Majesty King Frederick:

We are grateful to our allies for their displays of sorrow over the death of our beloved brother Prince Henry, and we will take steps to ensure his memory is never forgotten.

As to the developing situation on the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth we are prepared to confirm the Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica has formally granted refuge to His Majesty King Alexander II, his family and all of his supporters who require asylum and protection due to the highly violent and concerning situation taking place inside Poland.

We have not always agreed with the decisions taken by His Majesty King Alexander II, but we have always been sincere in our desire for friendship since the signing of the Treaty of Gdansk, which solved our past differences. We could not sit idly as his power waned away and the personal integrity of the King looked certain to be compromised, and so we are convinced offering him asylum was only the right, compassionate thing to do.

Let the record show the past weeks what we have seen from the National Assembly in Warsaw are acts of extreme violence and bloodshed, in apparent disregard for law or order. An ultimatum has been issued to us, demanding we return Alexander II for what we can only believe will be a show trial for him to follow the fate of the late Augustus III.

We hope the National Assembly has no hostile intentions against our realm, but something we will not do is to willingly hand over a fellow monarch to stand a trial such as this. We will not betray or breach the trust put on us by the King and the Royal Family. We have pledged to our honor to keep them safe, and that is exactly what we intend to do.

[Mike88]

January 13, 1759

A Proclamation by His Majesty King Joseph

His Majesty has protected the nation from traitors. On this day, January 13th of the year 1759, those who have attempted the life of his majesty have been sentenced and will now face trial upon God. The Távoras and the Duke of Aveiro have been punished with their life for their acts against the Empire and His Majesty.

His Majesty also applauds the excellent handling of the Prime Minister on the dealings of this affair and has absolute trust and support for the Minister's plans to strength our Kingdom and our Empire.

[GoTfan]

Venice has received detailed offers of peace from both France and Austria. Will the great nations of Great Britain, the Ottoman Empire and Kingdom of Prussia follow suit?

[Lumine]

It pleases me to inform the Most Serene Republic that negotiations with Austria are well on their way, and the Kingdom of Prussia is confident that a peace agreement will soon be signed to put an end to the bloodshed across Germany.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

With no disrespect toward the Most Serene Republic, the negotiations are indeed already proceeding and we are close to honorable peace. We applaud your peacemaking policies.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

IF I DON'T HEAR FROM STEINER WITHIN FIFTEEN MINUTES SOMEBODY IS GOING TO BE SHOT!


Please pardon me this one time

[Dereich]

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Francis, Holy Roman Emperor

The Empire recommends the Chairman of the League of Neutrality to mediate any disputes immediately rising from this settlement and will release a statement on the importance and necessity of peace upon conclusion of treaty.

[Lumine]

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x Frederick II, King of Prussia and Corsica

We echo the recommendation of the Chairman of the League of Neutrality as an arbiter for future disputes regarding the treaty and particularly among members of the German League and the Imperial League.

A statement will soon be released from His Majesty.