Encore of Europe: Rules, Sign-up, and General Discussion

[Spamage]

The Encore of Europe

1782 and onwards

    Many are debating whether the Kingdom of Scandinavia is a second Swedish Empire, or a mere extension of the original, revived following several troubled decades. The chaos of the Riksdag Rebellion has been put in the past as new territories acquired at the expense of Denmark (Norway, Iceland, and Greenland) have largely reconciled themselves to the new government. While Adolf Frederick promised greater choice in politics, his son, Gustav III, has proven to be an absolutist. Using the chaos in Poland as an excuse, a Constitution has not been promulgated as promised. Instead, by emphasizing Swedish and Scandinavian glory, he has largely rallied the people behind the idea of a strong monarchy, relying on the past glories of Gustav Adolf and Charles XII to make his case.
     To the south, in the hallowed halls of Constantinople, the Ottoman dynasty continues to reign supreme. Due to an alliance with Prussia and extensive action during the previous wars, the Ottomans have not fallen completely behind the other European powers and remain a major player in the region. Although the Crimean Khanate has been partially gobbled up by the Russians and Moldovia lost to Poland, the successors of Suleiman remain powerful. Mustafa III died in the early 1770s, succeeded by his brother Abdul Hamid. A war with the returned Safavid Dynasty in that decade resulted in a stalemate, though it was a major victory in checking Persian expansion. Also notable is the efforts that have been taken to draw Egypt closer to the rest of the Empire. There has been a large uptick in observation and governance of the region since the death of Mustafa III, irritating local nobles but potentially securing the region’s loyalty.
     Russia was one of the most damaged powers following the Wars of the Grand Coalitions. The Civil War between backers of Peter, Paul, and Ivan raged throughout the vast realm ending with the coronation of Paul under joint rule with his mother Catherine. Praised for her devotion to her adopted nation, Catherine was active in repairing the damaged Empire by looking inwards during the ensuing decades. Massive purges of potential enemies occurred in the Church, nobility, and civil administration. Though this largely curbed their power, it also made Catherine many enemies. With Paul looking to rule on his own, and many upset with her drastic policies, a coup in 1780 saw Catherine arrested and quietly exiled to a monastery, where she has taken the vows. This is not to say that Paul is universally loved, and many staunch backers of his mother remain at Court and throughout the nation. Any failures could see her seek to return to her senior position in their joint rule.
    

The Rules:
-This game is a sequel to the Concert of Europe game run from last Summer to Winter. Information to get you up to speed on what occurred in the past is available several pages back in the Election and History Games thread.

-The game begins in January 1782. Powers can negotiate and repudiate alliances as they see fit within reason.  

-Each turn will cover 1 year in the game timeline. I intend to have them open for one week so as to give people time to respond.

-I will issue responses for every minor power or unplayed nation.

-Updates will be posted in the main thread. These will contain overall summaries, the state of (public) alliances, deaths, and the economic situation for each power. Nations will be given specific events to respond to each turn as well. There will also be a number of events every turn which could involve international crises, events in non-playable nations, cultural discoveries, and inventions for all players to respond to.

-All communication between members (PMs) must also include me, so I am aware of the state of the game.

-You can send in your orders via PM, or post them publicly. I would prefer people post their public orders so everyone can see, while obviously sending me the secret ones.

-In the event of war, the game will continue on pace (as fighting was so common during this time period). I will open a new thread for wars between players and update it along with the general update for the rest of the game. All war orders should be PMed to me.

-In the event of a ruler's death, the player will be able to continue, so long as the heir is of the same royal house. In the event there is no clear royal heir, succession wars may occur.

-Failure to send orders for a turn will be the equivalent of the monarch sitting back and doing nothing for that period, meaning nothing good can come from it. Players who miss turns will find their economies weakened and internal dissent on the rise (or perhaps colonies on the revolt Wink ).

-Battles will be calculated by dice rolls. Higher number wins, margin between rolls determines the level of victory. Certain leaders and armies will have slight bonuses or maluses to simulate their quality during the time period. Sizes of the contending forces determines the amount of dice rolled.

-So far there are only 10 playable nations. I will add more if I feel like there is enough demand (Portugal, China, and Persia are top candidates). If you claimed a realm in the previous thread, you must reconfirm it here.


-Please ask any questions about the global situation here.

[Spamage]

Great, seeing such strong interest is really motivating!

So I am going to close the sign-up period with 13 players (assuming BK still confirms) and will work on getting the first turn up either tomorrow or Saturday (it may be Sunday as I also have to add to the military numbers). From then the game will begin.

I would like to say several things before we begin. First, I will shortly be purging my PMs entirely so as to start fresh. Undoubtedly some things from the previous game will be lost, but it will make it much easier for me to follow developments in the new version.

Second, I will be adding Italy, Asia, the Netherlands and Portugal (maybe Africa as well) summaries this evening in order to further highlight developments in the game universe over the past few years.

Finally, this was a problem I ran into a bit in the last game and I would hope we could all work to rectify for easier clarification. Please group your requests for non-player nations together, so I am not getting messages strung out between multiple pages for one player. It makes it so less slips through the cracks and we all get a clearer view of what's going on.

Thanks for your enthusiasm and I look forward to getting started.

[Spamage]

Question for Kal, if BK fails to confirm within a couple days could Kal take the Ottomans?

Yes, if BK has not responded by the time the first turn is posted Kal (and Dereich I suspect as well) are welcome to switch.

[Spamage]

Italy:

     Perhaps no region demonstrates the armed tension of the past few years better than the Italian states. Divided into many principalities, the region has also become a potential source of tension between the Austrians and the French, who were once strong allies.
     The heiress to the Duchy of Modena was married to the now King Louis XVI during the past decade, ensuring a French return to the region after centuries of absence. Although her father is still healthy, there have been some in Milan (and Vienna of course) who have eyed the prospect of a French principality in the area with great unease. Undoubtedly this is as major a potential development as the events in the Kingdom of Bavaria.
     In Sardinia-Piedmont, the reforming nature of Charles Emmanuel III, who promulgated a constitution and representative government, caused him to be widely regarded as one of the realm’s best monarchs by the common people. His death in 1773 though, led to a sort of counter-revolution as the clergy and nobility, furious about being taxed, were backed by his conservative son Victor Amadeus III. Although the constitution was still in effect on paper, in practice harsh repressive measures, supported in part by French and Austrian aid, have resulted in the re-strengthening of the crown.
    Venice saw the opposite developments. Doge Francesco Loredan’s reforms democratizing the ancient republic remained in effect, being embraced by a whole new generation. Internal peace slowly emerged as even staunch holdouts eventually were won over by the level of public support in the region. Instead, Venice’s attention would be focused on Africa, where the colonies acquired at the expense of Tripoli were plunged into chaos. Both the Venetian and the Austrian territories seized during the previous war face intense local resistance, with a large tribal campaign in the Sahara seeking to oust them from control of their cities. Some worry about the colonies, while others in Venice are more focused at home (recognizing they are surrounded by monarchies).

Netherlands and Portugal:

     The reign of William I of the Netherlands, crowned after the chaotic attempts to institute a Dutch Republic were thwarted by joint Prussian-British action, has been a trying time for the small nation. Coming to age after the tense regencies of his mother (likely murdered) and paternal grandmother, the King has shown an eagerness to take charge. Invaded and devastated twice during the previous decades, his new Kingdom has spent much of its time focusing on repairing its domestic situation, with the results finally visible. Crop outputs and population are both on the rise, not to mention the continued prominence of the Netherlands at sea. Although the Dutch may have lost several provinces to the French, which the most avowed nationalists demand returned, and the Cape Colony was taken by the Prussians, the state does still possess a vast colonial empire, a distant settler colony, and trade stretching around the globe. Under proper leadership the Netherlands could return to its prominent position in European affairs.
     Queen Maria is the leader of the Portuguese Kingdom, which emerged unscathed from the Wars of the Grand Coalitions. In fact, the deft diplomacy of her father Joseph ensured that lands were gained in both India and the Americas at the cost of very few lives. Now under Maria, new policies have been enacted. Pombal has been dismissed after a long rule at court, the Jesuits have returned, and the Queen is seen to represent a conservative turn in society. Portugal is great, but some believe there is an even greater potential for glory. Maria must act wisely if she is to protect her subjects and build on the legacy of her forefathers.

India:

     Following the ultimate victory of the French and the Portuguese over the upstart Maratha Confederacy, the last embers of Indian independence were extinguished. Although vast areas of the subcontinent ostensibly remained under home-rule, in reality these principalities were all subjects of either the French or Portuguese. In the south, Mysore has transformed into a loyal and complacent partner of their overlords in Lisbon, the wealth from trade and the access to new goods outweighing other consideration in the eyes of local elites. France, though, due to the nature of governing a much larger area, has faced some challenges. The activism of the Jesuits, welcomed by King Louis XVI has alienated some Hindus and Muslims, though there is a real potential to convert those in lower castes who see something attractive about the Catholic message. Furthermore, some officials are suspected of holding onto tax or tributes that ought to be sent to the metropole. Even so, control over much of India has been a boon to France, providing many raw goods and a massive new market for finished products. Among Indians, a new generation is beginning to come of age that cannot remember a time without a French presence. Some have begun to wonder though, would it not be more pleasing if France possessed all of this rich territory?

[Spamage]

Executive decision time! As BK hasn't confirmed, and after confirmation from Dereich, I've decided that Kal can take the Ottomans and Dereich will reassume the Austrians.

I'm currently writing prompts, so progress is being made on starting this.

[Spamage]

First turn is posted, everyone has a week to submit their orders, plans, etc. It will close 6/16 at 5 pm PDT.

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE ME IN PMs

I look forward to seeing what you all come up with. You never cease to amaze!

Spamage

[Spamage]

May I take up my old role as Venice?

It's just me but I believe the Netherlands is a more important country right now than Venice and I would lthis country to be played, either by gotfan or by someone else.

Some else is already lined up for the Netherlands after this round.

Yes, you may take Vemice starting with the next turn.

[Spamage]

I guess America isn't available yet?

Not yet

Basically, in this universe, Britain was not completely out of money at the end of this world's equivalent to the Seven Years War (partially solved by pawning Hanover to Prussia). Thus, there was no need for increased taxation and, with the French-Spanish still in control of Quebec, the colonies recognized the requirement of continued security. In short so far, while there's discontent, it has by no means boiled over into revolution.

[Spamage]

If it's possible, could I get an extension to Saturday Night? I need some time to complete my turns for other games as well as doing some things on Wednesday, so I won't really have time to do my turn for this until Saturday

Sure, I'd be willing to grant an extension for several hours.

With no major world wars (yet ) it shouldn't take as long in between turns.

[Spamage]

Can we get a list of Kingdoms that can wed? Just for a few reasons.

I'm intending to include a summary of the royal families at some point early next turn. Several other players have also inquired about this.

Also, with about a day to go I still need orders from most players. Remember to get them in, I don't wait

[Spamage]

All my orders have been sent!

What time shall this turn end?

Turn closes at 7 pm PST with the delay requested by a player earlier.

[Spamage]

Who hasn't sent his orders btw?

Actually, right now I think that I have everyone's.

[Spamage]

Heading into this turn, and pretty much until Wednesday, I was convinced we were going to have a nice slow start to the game, with maybe a few developments at the end of the turn. Boy was I wrong . I can't wait for everyone to see what has happened! Needless to say, there's a lot due to previous planning, actual historical trends, game development on my part, and all of your combined actions.

I'm debating ending the turn a couple of hours early so I can get started on summarizing all the various events of the last turns. Feel free to keep posting, but please don't make any monumental changes to your actions while I'm working on this.

I'll let everyone know who all will be joining the game once the news update is posted. Right now I believe there will be 4 additional players.

[Spamage]

We getting Troop Placement and Situation for each ruler next?

Troops placement will be with the next turn. The situation for each ruler will be dealt with in the prompts for the next turn as well.


EDIT: The Families are all up, get to arranging those marriages, I guess . There's certainly lots of eligible figures.

[Spamage]

Also, I can now confirm the following players will be joining the next turn:

Jackson Hitchcock as King William I of the Netherlands
Dkrolga as the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty
X as Council President Pietro Verri of the Provisional Government of Sardinia Piedmont
GOTfan as Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli of the Republic of Venice

[Spamage]

Impressive update thus far, quite a lot of fascinating developments! We're not meant to post on the gameplay thread until the new turn begins, right?

Feel free to! It's going to take some time to write up all the prompts and calculate troop numbers. I by no means want the game to stop while I'm working on it. So long as you don't take drastic action, I'm fine with the game mostly continuing as usual as it is prepared.

[Spamage]

Does Austria count as Eastern or Western Europe with regard to the famine? You didn't include Austria in either group.

It is included with West Europe. I was originally going to include is separately, but I must have assumed "German states" covered it  . Sorry for any confusion

[Spamage]

Turn is open. Goes from now until Sunday June 24th, Noon PST.

Could I see the list of my royal family? And aren’t we still waiting on turn events for each country?

I'll get to that this evening. Look for it to be added to the dynasties post if it fits, otherwise I'll PM you.

[Spamage]

Haven't I got away with jizya last time around?

I was under the impression that was general goal but was never enacted specifically in the timeframe. I'll look back and check further.

[Spamage]

Due to personal issues I will not go into here I must sadly announce that Not_Madigan will be leaving the game. I'd like to thank him for getting Poland off to a great start!

BaconKing has agreed to replace him as the Polish player effective immeadiately. Please send all Polish diplomatic interactions to him.

[Spamage]

Any open spots at the moment, Spamage?

Naples is probably the only power I see being playable at the moment with so many slots filled. If you would like to join, it's yours.

[Spamage]

Any open spots at the moment, Spamage?

Naples is probably the only power I see being playable at the moment with so many slots filled. If you would like to join, it's yours.

Looks like Poland is now available as well.

Hey I initially agreed to take over for someone about to resign but unfortunately I think it's just too much of a time commitment for me right now to jump into the middle of a game that has already progressed so far. I love this kind of game and it would be fine if the diplomatic situation was a blank slate but unfortunately trying to get up to speed on the diplomatic landscape while simultaneously facing life-or-death negotiations with nearly ten people -- especially when I have yet to look back to fully understand each of their true motives, capabilities, or even the typical demeanor of any of my fellow players -- seems to be more than I can manage at the moment (perhaps if I was still unemployed! )

I know I don't necessarily have to do all that stuff but I'm sure everyone can appreciate that if I'm going to play a role, I'm going to do it right - as a fully informed independent actor. I hope you all understand

No worries

Indeed, I totally understand. Not a problem at all.

[Spamage]

I'd love to take Poland

Great! Feel free to begin this turn if you’d like. Otherwise you can get started on the next turn (early next week). Either way, welcome!

[Spamage]

I can't wait for the midturn!

It will be posted tonight. Expect two major developments.

[Spamage]

wait, how does the mid-turn work?

I generally just post additional news stories or crises that would develop during the year. For example, not all events would happen at the end of the previous year. Midturn updates, which only happen occasionally, are for pressing issues that arise.