King and Country - Gameplay Thread (Old)

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

King and Country: The XVII Century

Turn 2: 1671

Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Major Powers:
Kingdom of France: King Louis XIV (Dr_Novella)
Ottoman Empire: Sultan Mehmed IV (sjoycefla)
Kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland: King Charles II (Garlan Gunter)
Habsburg Monarchy: Queen Regent Margaret Theresa (New Tennessean Politician)
Kingdom of Spain: Queen Regent Mariana (JacksonHitchcock)
Kingdom of Denmark and Norway: King Christian V (Ishan)
Duchy of Savoy: Duke Charles Emmanuel II (YPestis25)
Dutch Republic: Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt (Not_Madigan)
Kingdom of Sweden: Queen Regent Hedwig Eleonora (NYIndy)
Tsardom of Russia: Tsar Alexis I (King Saul)
Duchy of Bavaria: Emperor Ferdinand IV (Kingpoleon)
Kingdom of Prussia: King Frederick William (TimTurner)

Economic Standings:
Kingdom of France- Strong
Kingdom of England- Strong
Dutch Republic- Strong
Habsburg Monarchy- Moderate
Duchy of Bavaria- Moderate
Kingdom of Prussia- Moderate
Tsardom of Russia- Moderate
Ottoman Empire- Moderate
Duchy of Savoy- Moderate
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway- Moderate
Kingdom of Sweden- Moderate
Kingdom of Spain- Weak

Popularity:
King Louis XIV- Very High
King Frederick William- High
King Charles II- High
Sultan Mehmed IV - High
Tsar Alexis I- Moderate
Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt- Moderate
King Christian V- Moderate
Emperor Ferdinand IV- Moderate
Duke Charles Emmanuel II- Moderate
Queen Regent Hedwig Eleonora- Moderate
Queen Regent Margaret Theresa- Moderate
Queen Regent Mariana- Low

Duchy of Bavaria:

-Emperor Ferdinand, you are the first non-Habsburg Emperor in over 200 years. This has monumental consequences, and due to Salic Law you also have a strong claim on the various Crownlands of the Habsburg Monarchy. Should you seek to press those claims, you would likely receive support from the French and Saxons. Will you attempt to take control of the vast Habsburg domains, even at the risk of greatly destabilizing the Empire?

Kingdom of Spain:

-Queen Regent Mariana, your son the King is dead. The two closest claimants would lead to an effective union between either Spain and France or Spain and Austria. Since both those options are regrettable, many hope that a compromise candidate can be found. Through careful negotiation you may be able to avoid a war of succession, though it may come at the cost of territorial concessions. What will you do diplomatically to find the next ruler of the Spanish Empire?

Kingdom of France:

-King Louis, the last year was very fortunate to you. Both heads of the Habsburg branches died, the League of the Rhine was reformed, the peasant revolt in Vivarais was crushed, and your privateers managed to collect the bounty on Henry Morgan. Now, you have an opportunity to place your wife on the Spanish throne, and many say this is an opportunity that cannot be missed. Others caution that such a move of blatant French expansionism could cause a European-wide coalition to form against your realm. Will you press you wife’s claim on the Spanish throne, even if it causes a major war and antagonizes other realms?

Kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland:

-King Charles, your fleet won a Pyrrhic victory at sea against the French, though it indeed came at a great cost. Many ships were lost, and Captain Morgan was killed. However, due to the deal with the Dutch, Pepys and the other naval administrators have already replaced the 30 ships that had been lost, meaning your Caribbean fleet is back at full strength. Many call for revenge, and there is indeed a chance to get it if the French pursue their claim on the Spanish throne. Perhaps the Triple Alliance could even be widened to counter the French threat. Parliament so far has proved cooperative, but it is unclear whether they would be willing to fund a major war. What sort of diplomatic course will your nation follow?

Duchy of Savoy:

-Duke Charles Emmanuel, the Italian defensive league has been formed with you at the head. Now, many in the peninsula are less fearful of the threat of Bourbon or Habsburg intrusion. There is also the question of the larger European diplomatic situation, where the Spanish and Austrian successions are threatening to tear the continent apart. Participating in the wars that may follow could give your duchy prestige, but it could also put your small state at great risk. How will you define Savoyard foreign policy?

Dutch Republic:

-Grand Pensionary de Witt, your deal with the English went down successfully. If you propose your bill of toleration again, this time it should succeed. Furthermore, your men managed to capture a slice of the southern portion of the Kingdom of Kandy, although they meter less success in expanding into Java. Now, your rule must be firmly established in these new territories. In regard to diplomacy, the death of the Spanish king represents a grave threat indeed, as the French may able to seize the throne. Many have called for the Triple Alliance to be expanded in order to counter the threat of French expansionism. How will you navigate the precarious diplomatic situation?

Kingdom of Denmark and Norway:

-King Christian, you have just been crowned as the new King of Denmark-Norway. Now, you have a chance to continue your father’s work of centralizing the realm. Free land has meanwhile been offered by your realm in Greenland and Newfoundland, though the latter has failed to attract many settlers. In foreign policy, many still demand that Scania be retaken, but attempting to expand in this tension-laden period may not be wise. Others maintain that Denmark needs to play a larger role in international affairs, taking sides in the disputes over the disputes in Spain and the Empire. What policies will you pursue to inaugurate your new reign?

Kingdom of Sweden:

-Queen Regent Eleonora, the Triple Alliance has been reaffirmed, giving your realm a coherent foreign policy. In the New World, your colonization of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island has proceeded decently. Meanwhile, in the Empire many fear that war is close at hand between the Emperor and the Habsburgs. As you hold land in the Empire, this directly impacts you. Will you take sides in the potential conflict, or will your realm pursue a policy of neutrality?

Tsardom of Russia:

-Tsar Alexis, you saw great success in suppressing the Cossack revolt before it occurred, though Stenka Razin and his brother remain at large. Meanwhile, the invasion of the Caucasus began last year, though the first battle ended in a stalemate. This has come at the cost of a slowed colonization of Siberia. Will you provide more troops to either venture in order to further Russian interests?

Kingdom of Prussia:

-King Frederick William, your Electorate was raised to the status of a Kingdom last year by the late Emperor. Now, with this new prestige and honor, many expect you to make a move. With the fear of war in the Empire looming, you would be expected to help the Habsburgs due to your alliance. Perhaps this could be a chance to show the world Prussian greatness through military might. How will you direct your realm in the event of an Imperial war?

Habsburg Monarchy:

-Queen Regent Margaret Theresa, your husband has been assassinated by a madman. Your one-year-old daughter was quickly inaugurated in all the Habsburg Crownlands, but it is entirely likely that this will not be accepted in the Empire due to Salic Law. The new Bavarian Emperor, in particular, possesses a strong claim on your daughter’s inheritance. Additionally, many fear that the Turks may take advantage of the chaotic situation, so urging the Russians to keep up the fight to distract them would probably be wise. Meanwhile, the events in Spain also concern you. As only one of two surviving siblings of the dead Spanish King, the other being Louis XIV’s wife, you possess a claim on the Spanish throne. In order to prevent the French from taking Spain, you may need to press that claim, or at least agree on a compromise candidate with the French King and the Spanish Regent. How will you deal with the difficult issues of the Austrian and Spanish succession?

Ottoman Empire:

-Sultan Mehmed, your realm has been invaded in the Caucasus by the Russians. While you managed to battle them to a stalemate, it is expected that they make further incursions into Ottoman territory. Meanwhile, many advisers are encouraging you to take advantage of the situation in Vienna by striking back at the Habsburgs. Domestically, your financial reforms have proved moderately popular, and your public letter to the Tsar has mobilized public opinion in favor of the struggle against the Russians. How will you run the Ottoman state, both domestically and diplomatically, in the coming year?

Armies, Navies, and Locations

Duchy of Bavaria
15,000 Men in Army of Bavaria.
(Can raise 10,000 more)
0 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of Spain
150,000 Men. 50,000 in Army of Iberia, 50,000 in Army of Flanders, 25,000 in Army of Italy, 25,000 in Army of New Spain.
(Can raise 102,000 more)
100 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of France
150,000 Men. 50,000 in Army of the Pyrenees, 50,000 in Army of Calais, 50,000 in Army of the Rhine.
(Can raise 102,000 more)
100 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of England
50,000 Men. 30,000 in Army of England, 20,000 in Army of Scotland, 10,000 in Army of Ireland.
(Can raise 32,000 more)
100 Ships of the Line

Duchy of Savoy
15,000 Men in Army of Piedmont.
(Can raise 2,000 more)
5 Ships of the Line

Dutch Republic
50,000 Men in Dutch States Army, 40,000 Men in Army of Amsterdam.
(Can raise 42,000 more)
130 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway
20,000 Men. 15,000 in Army of Denmark, 5,000 in Army of Norway.
(Can raise 17,000 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 27,000 more)
35 Ships of the Line

Tsardom of Russia
98,000 Men. 6,750 in Army of Ruthenia, 78,000 in Army of the Caucasus, 6,750 in Army of Siberia, 6,750 in Army of Kola.
(Can raise 27,000 more)
25 Ships of the Line

Brandenburg-Prussia
10,000 Men. 7,500 in Army of Brandenburg, 2,500 in Army of Prussia.
(Can raise 22,000 more)
15 Ships of the Line

Habsburg Monarchy
100,000 Men. 73,000 in Army of the Danube, 32,000 in Army of Germany, 5,000 in Army of Italy.
(Can raise 52,000 more)
0 Ships of the Line

Ottoman Empire
124,000 Men. 50,000 in Army of the Balkans, 25,000 in Army of the Tigris and Euphrates, 24,000 in Army of the Caucasus, 25,000 in Army of North Africa.
(Can raise 27,000 more)
55 Ships of the Line

[Huey Long is a Republican]

The Regent addresses the Nation

The regent, her holiness and gracious Margaret Thersa, has come to power and will thus now announce several important issues for this new era of the Hapsburg Dynasty without control of the Empire.

The first, of which, the regent will declare the declaration and creation of Royal Decrees. These documents will allow the ruler of the realm to completely override the parliament and cannot, under any circumstances, be removed unless it is by the next monarch.

Royal Decree #01 : The original alliance and treaty between the Archduchy of Austria and Kingdom of Prussia shall remain in place and thus, the union between the realms shall continue and advance ever forward.

Royal Decree #02 : The ideas of Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech shall not, under any circumstances, be abolished and instead, these ideas will remain as free and independent and will not be able to be abolished by the government.

Royal Decree #03 : The realm of the Archduchy of Austria will be divided into Regimental Cantons. This is to link the country much more closely to the government and military.

Royal Decree #04 : The youths of all cantons are to serve 3-6 months of every year in the military. Once the minimum of 3 is up, they can choose if they would like to return home and retire from the military or continue to serve.

Royal Decree #05 : Taxes shall be raised to a point where payment for the military is indeed sufficient and we don't run the risk of bankrupting the nation with the military.

Royal Decree #06 : An elite guard of 5000 made up of those from across the realm will be established to protect the ruler no matter where the ruler is. An Independent Investigation Unit will be established to wholly investigate any assassination attempts or successful assassinations on rulers, the first of which will be on the assassination of the late Emperor, to truly make sure that he did, in fact, work alone. Both are loyal to the archduke/archduchess and only the archduke/archduchess.

Royal Decree #07 : Any man at or above the age of 25 will be able to vote in the 1678 elections for parliament, even if they do not own any land themselves. The age of voting will be lowered if requested via public demand. The current Parliament will not be disintegrated out of the idea of letting the realm's first parliament play out in full.

Royal Decree #08 : The ruler of the realm will declare the creation of a Supreme Court of 13 justices that will determine the law of the land after being established and all justices will be appointed by the monarch.

Royal Decree #09 : Slavery and Serfdom in the realm is henceforth abolished and thus, all former slaves and serfs will have the same rights as those born above them and those in the same class as them.

Royal Decree #010 : True public education is now accessible to all children of the realm thus meaning that children from any background as well as free serfs and slaves will be able to learn proper skills for the future and will continue to progress the realm into the future and not keep it stuck in the past.

Royal Decree #011 : Liberal ideas shall be taught throughout the schools and shall be spoken freely across the nation without fear of persecution. It is up to the individual to decide for themselves to either support the ideas or not. The methods of introduction of liberalism to the public will be conducted through papers, pamphlets, and speeches as well as meetings.

The Habsburg monarchy will remove any lasting influence in the German states for if they want to be dominated by the French, then who is the hapsburgs to deny them their right, however misguided?

The Hapsburg monarchy will also willingly remove all influence from Italy and publicly applauds  the efforts of the Italian Defensive League to drive Foreign influence from their home.

These are all the current declarations from the regent at the present time. Let it be known that if the new power of the individual that has been granted is abused, then they could be removed.

[NyIndy]

Kingdom of Sweden Turn Report

The Queen Regent of Sweden would like to make the following decrees:

1. Our Navy will be expanded, due to the expanding influence of the Kingdom of Sweden. It will be expanded at a rate of 5 ships a year for the next 6 years.

2. Our Military will also be expanded accordingly. It is hoped 20,000 new troops can be raised over the course of two years. half of which will be stationed with the Army of Sweden. The other half will be split between the Armies of Finland and Pommerania.

3. Our Colonization efforts will be redoubled in the New World. We will spend more money on encouraging the industries of Fishing, Timber and Fur Trapping in addition to the previous land grants.

4. With Respect to the Pommerania Situation, Sweden hopes this may come to a peaceful conclusion and will work to ensure this occurs.

[Donerail]

A Declaration From The Imperial Palace

After extensive and fruitful negotiations, His Imperial Majesty the Sultan has agreed to a comprehensive pact of non-aggression between his Domains and those of the Austrian Queen-Regent. His Imperial Majesty is pleased with this development, and expresses his full confidence in a renewed time of peace and security along the northern border.

Pact of Non-Aggression Between the Archduchy of Austria and the Sublime Porte [Treaty of Zounok]:
I. The parties agree that they shall respect one another's national borders, reflecting the current territorial arrangement along the Hungarian border, and to undertake no action which would lead to the alteration of their current borders.
II. The parties agree to in all cases respect one another's rights as sovereign states.
   a. This includes respecting the rights of citizens of the parties, abroad and on the high seas.
III. This agreement shall endure for the subsequent five years.
   a. Both parties agree, in the absence of any violations of the agreement, to meet and discuss the renewal of the treaty at that time.

x His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Mehmed Han Hazretleri, Sovereign of The Sublime House of Osman, Sultan es Selatin, Khakhan, Commander of the Faithful and Successor of the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe, Custodian of the Holy Cities of Mecca, Medina and Kouds, Kayser-i Rum, Brother of the Sun and Moon; Grandson and Viceroy of God, the hope and comfort of Muslims, and the confounder and great defender of Christians, et cetera et cetera, may he reign eternal.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Pact of Non-Aggression Between the Archduchy of Austria and the Sublime Porte [Treaty of Zounok]:
I. The parties agree that they shall respect one another's national borders, reflecting the current territorial arrangement along the Hungarian border, and to undertake no action which would lead to the alteration of their current borders.
II. The parties agree to in all cases respect one another's rights as sovereign states.
   a. This includes respecting the rights of citizens of the parties, abroad and on the high seas.
III. This agreement shall endure for the subsequent five years.
   a. Both parties agree, in the absence of any violations of the agreement, to meet and discuss the renewal of the treaty at that time.

x His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Mehmed Han Hazretleri, Sovereign of The Sublime House of Osman, Sultan es Selatin, Khakhan, Commander of the Faithful and Successor of the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe, Custodian of the Holy Cities of Mecca, Medina and Kouds, Kayser-i Rum, Brother of the Sun and Moon; Grandson and Viceroy of God, the hope and comfort of Muslims, and the confounder and great defender of Christians, et cetera et cetera.

x Queen Regent Margaret Theresa of Austria, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary, and Queen of Bohemia

[Continential]

-King Christian, you have just been crowned as the new King of Denmark-Norway. Now, you have a chance to continue your father’s work of centralizing the realm. Free land has meanwhile been offered by your realm in Greenland and Newfoundland, though the latter has failed to attract many settlers. In foreign policy, many still demand that Scania be retaken, but attempting to expand in this tension-laden period may not be wise. Others maintain that Denmark needs to play a larger role in international affairs, taking sides in the disputes over the disputes in Spain and the Empire. What policies will you pursue to inaugurate your new reign?

We will encourage fishermen to go to Newfoundland as there is an abundance of fish in Newfoundland and we will offer people if they go to Newfoundland, supplies to start farms or be a fisherman.

[Kingpoleon]

Edict of the Emperor Ferdinand, Elector of Bavaria and King of the Romans, Rightful King of Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary

“It not being willed the throne of Austria may be inherited by the daughter of Emperor Leopold, it is my solemn duty to declare such inheritance null and void. Quasi-Salic Law dictates that the throne rightfully belongs to my mother and her descendants, as, out of all the Habsburg marriage contracts, only her marriage contract, signed with the seal of the Emperor, allows such female inheritance of the throne after marriage.
 
“I am sure that the Council of Electors, who have the inalienable right to process such an inheritance claim, will confirm that I am the rightful holder of the Austrian crown. I call on all good and noble kings and princes, dukes and counts, to recognize that there is no other legal claimant to the throne besides myself. Now, if not for the marriage contract signed previously, I would have assuredly married my heir to my predecessor’s daughter, as would have been fitting. However, this contract will likely never be retracted or voided.
 
“I was elected Emperor unanimously, even as all other Electors knew of my inheritance to the Austrian throne. Therefore I once more ask for the Empire’s unanimous support in this matter. I do not expect war, as long as every one of us makes it clear that we will not be quiet when a throne is wrongfully usurped.”

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Edict of the Queen Regent of Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary

"It is to be recognized that the rule of Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary is not at all a position of election but instead a position gained through bloodline. The Emperor believes that by forcing an election will somehow make him King of the Realm when it is clear that the heir to the realm is the true ruler of it. Facing the facts, all dynasties in the empire are related in someway or another and thus, the Emperor can use this excuse to continue to usurp territory due to his "Natural" birthright and nothing more.

"The Queen Regent only has the simple challenge that if the Emperor wants to take the throne of Vienna, he will have to pry it from myself and Maria Antonia. However, if the Emperor is interested in a peaceful arrangement about the situation, we will be open to hear about it."

[Garlan Gunter]

The King of England, Scotland and Ireland is presently minded to support the rights of the Wittelsbachs in Austria and the Habsburgs in Spain.

- Charles R

[Kingpoleon]

The King of England, Scotland and Ireland is presently minded to support the rights of the Wittelsbachs in Austria and the Habsburgs in Spain.

- Charles R

The support of the British for the rightful King of Austria will be remembered with great gratitude. All great European powers ought to listen to the advice of the English King.

I wish to take time to note that a Habsburg has chosen to lecture me on stealing crowns on the basis of family relations. Have they not taken the crowns of Spain, Austria, Burgundy, Milan, the Two Sicilies, and a dozen more? Ought such a family lecture others to prevent me from my rightful inheritance?

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

End of Turn: 1671

Russians defeat Ottomans in Battle of Darial Gorge; capture much of Ottoman Georgia



1671 would see the border war over the Caucasus between the Ottomans and Russia intensify. Dissatisfied with the results of the campaign up to that point, Tsar Alexis ordered all soldiers throughout the Tsardom to join the Army there. Thus, the Army of the Caucasus was bolstered to a massive force of over 100,000 men. The Ottomans, too, sent reinforcements to their Army, an extra 10,000 men arriving to defend the Darial Pass for a total of about 35,000 men. They planned to fire upon the Russians from the mountains while some infantry would guard the narrow pass which the Russians would be forced to travel through. However, the hopeless disparity of numbers would do them in.

While the Ottoman snipers managed to pick off some Russians, those within the pass became embroiled in cramped hand-to-hand skirmishing with the Russians. Once the Ottoman lines began to thin, the Russians ordered a cavalry charge, causing the Turks to flee with many being stampeded. The Ottoman Army fled far south back into Northeastern Turkey, and the Russians were thus able to capture with ease over half of Ottoman Georgia through the rest of the year. Meanwhile, there were rumors of the Ottomans attempting to get into contact with Stenka Razin, but the negotiations were believed to have broken down following disagreements in strategy and planning. Also, the Russians raised 15,000 extra men for a colonization expedition into Siberia, which was able to achieve moderate success.

Anglo-Danish Fleet defeats French whilst Montbars escapes; English retaliate further by burning French settlements




The English court, indignant after hearing about the death of Henry Morgan at French hands, was determined to retaliate. So were Morgan’s crew, who had loved the old pirate and missed him dearly. With his second-in-command Edward Collier keeping his position behind the Earl of Sandwich, the English went on the prowl after Montbars. But another dimension to the situation was added when the English King was able to secure the support of the Danes, who added 25 ships to the expedition. The massive 65-ship fleet finally encountered Montbars’s small squadron south of Puerto Rico. Adding only 5 ships to his fleet since the battle, Montbars had a paltry 15 ships.

Soon enough the battle broke out, and it was clear that Montbars didn’t stand a chance. With an unparalleled vengeance, the English reigned cannonballs upon the overwhelmed French. Having lost 1/3rd of his fleet already, Montbars ordered a retreat. While he had managed to escape, many of the 10 ships he had left were damaged during the short battle. The Anglo-Danes also lost 5 ships, with 4 of them being Danish due to their being unfamiliar with battles in the Caribbean. Even though the battle had been a victory, the English crew felt that they hadn’t gotten proper vengeance due to the escape of Montbars. Thus, it was determined that the fleet would sail east to assail the French West Indies. Arriving first at Guadeloupe, the pirates and seamen left a trail of terror through the Antilles. The garrison was massacred, the governor murdered, and the city pillaged before being razed to the ground. Similar treatment was doled out to Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Grenada.

Revolution in the Habsburg Crownlands! Regent and young daughter murdered by angry mob, throne offered to Bavarian Emperor




The new Regent of the various territories comprising the Habsburg Monarchy would begin the year with a series of stunning edicts. She issued many royal decrees, the most notable being the limiting of parliamentary power, the granting of suffrage to men at least 25-years-old, and the abolition of serfdom. These measures were met with absolute horror throughout the realm. The suffrage was deemed as madness in all quarters, with complete confusion all around about why the Queen Regent had empowered the rabble. Through the abolition of serfdom, the Regent had also undermined the essential feudal contract between the lord, the peasants and the land, and she was to pay for it.

When the Parliament met to discuss the measures, not one member refrained from expressing his utter disgust with the Regent. Angered also by her attempts to limit their power and place it instead in her own hands and in the hands of commoners, the Queen Regent was unanimously condemned as insane. The Parliament then issued a statement recognizing the Bavarian Emperor as ruler of all the Habsburg domains. But this revolution did not just occur at the upper echelons of society. Ironically those who the Regent had intended to help also turned against her, as the emancipated serfs were left impoverished and homeless by their forced freedom. Soon, the clergy was also able to whip the populace into a frenzy, as several charismatic preachers published a broadside that was delivered at many churches condemning the Regent as an agent of the devil. Whether noble or priest, burgher or peasant, Austrian or Hungarian, the She-Wolf was universally hated by all.

Before long a massive riot broke out in most major Austrian cities, and in Vienna it was the worst of all. A furious mob, assisted by mutinying soldiers and guards, stormed the royal palace. In the chaos, both the Queen Regent and her daughter were stabbed to death. Now, the time is ripe for the Bavarian Emperor to step in and receive his new inheritances. But the events in Austria also have dire consequences on the other side of the continent in Spain. With two important Habsburg claimants murdered, the only non-French claimant to the Spanish throne left is the present Queen Regent Mariana herself.

Robert de la Salle claims new land for France in mission of exploration



In 1671, news would reach France about Robert de la Salle’s expedition that occurred the previous year. It was learned that de la Salle had crossed the Detroit River and had discovered previously unknown territory, heading far south and to the west. He eventually reached two other great rivers, the Ohio and the Mississippi, all the while claiming the new land for France. In practice however, the land remains populated by native tribes and if the claim is to be enforced the French must build many forts in the newly discovered land. Rumors say that la Salle intends to sail down the Mississippi until he reaches the southern coast of North America.

Ottomans besiege Malta; Knights barely hold out



The Ottoman Sultan, having captured Crete 2 years previously, was not content with his encroachments into the Mediterranean. In 1671, he would order a 30-ship fleet to transport the Army of North Africa to Malta, aided by several Barbary corsairs. That island had been a thorn in Turkey’s side and was a constant reminder of the embarrassing failed siege of 1565. Soon enough, the North African army captured most of the Maltese cities other than Valletta. Generous terms of surrender were offered to the Grandmaster of the Knights, but he rejected them outright. So, the Turks settled into a siege. Soon, supplies began to run out in the city and starvation took its toll. The city walls were also crumbling in the face of Ottoman artillery. However, the Knights still managed to end 1671 without surrendering, but if they receive no outside help it is likely that they will be forced to capitulate soon.

[windjammer]

Spanish line of succession

(based on the semi-salic law)


1) Maria Theresa of Spain, Queen consort of France, sister of Charles II of Spain (1638-)
2) Louis, Dauphin of France, only child of Maria Theresa of Spain (1661-)
3) Louis XIV, King of France, (first son of the eldest sister of Philip IV of Spain) (1638-)
4) Philippe , Duke of Orléans (second son of the eldest sister of Philip IV of Spain) (1640-)
5) Marie Louise d'Orléans, first child of Philippe Duke of Orléans (1662-)
6) Anne Marie d'Orléans, second child of Philippe Duke of Orléans (1669-)
7) Mariana of Austria,Queen regent of Spain, granddaughter of Philip III of Spain (1634-)
8 ) Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy, great-grandson of Philip II of Spain (1634-)
And then the current line of succession to the duchy of Savoy

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

King and Country: The XVII Century

Turn 3: 1672

Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Major Powers:
Kingdom of France: King Louis XIV (Dr_Novella)
Ottoman Empire: Sultan Mehmed IV (sjoycefla)
Kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland: King Charles II (Garlan Gunter)
Kingdom of Spain: Queen Regent Mariana (Dereich)
Kingdom of Denmark and Norway: King Christian V (Ishan)
Duchy of Savoy: Duke Charles Emmanuel II (YPestis25)
Dutch Republic: Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt (ifromnj)
Kingdom of Sweden: Queen Regent Hedwig Eleonora (NYIndy)
Tsardom of Russia: Tsar Alexis I (King Saul)
Wittelsbach Monarchy: Emperor Ferdinand IV (Kingpoleon)
Kingdom of Prussia: King Frederick William (TimTurner)

Economic Standings:
Kingdom of France- Strong
Kingdom of England- Strong
Dutch Republic- Strong
Wittelsbach Monarchy- Moderate
Kingdom of Prussia- Moderate
Tsardom of Russia- Moderate
Ottoman Empire- Moderate
Electorate of Saxony- Moderate
Duchy of Savoy- Moderate
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway- Moderate
Kingdom of Sweden- Moderate
Kingdom of Spain- Weak

Popularity:
King Louis XIV- Very High
King Frederick William- High
King Charles II- High
Sultan Mehmed IV - High
Tsar Alexis I- Moderate
Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt- Moderate
King Christian V- Moderate
Emperor Ferdinand IV- Moderate
Elector John George II- Moderate
Duke Charles Emmanuel II- Moderate
Queen Regent Hedwig Eleonora- Moderate
Queen Regent Mariana- Low

Wittelsbach Monarchy:

-Emperor Ferdinand, the Habsburg leaders of Austria have been murdered and the throne offered to you. It is assumed that you will accept the crown, but it being delivered to you through regicide is not a good look. Perhaps there is a way to smooth over the situation. As a result of this shakeup, some of your advisers have come to question how Bavarian foreign policy should proceed. Since you are now the dominant power in the Empire, perhaps the alliance with France no longer makes sense. Following your accession to the Habsburg lands, many members of the League of the Rhine have petitioned the French King to remove you from that League. How will your guide the massively expanded Wittelsbach Monarchy?

Kingdom of Spain:

-Queen Regent Mariana, the situation in your Kingdom has been altered dramatically by the events in Austria. Two important claimants to the throne have been murdered, and now you are the only hope for the Habsburg dynasty in Spain. Some of your advisers have suggested that you should crown yourself Queen Regnant, while others have warned that due to your unpopularity it could backfire. Still others maintain that a compromise candidate can be achieved, such as the Savoyard Duke, in exchange for territorial concessions to the French. Whatever you do, you must tread very carefully in this tense situation. Most of all, the Spanish people want a resolution to the succession crisis, and inactivity is clearly not an option. How will you deal with the succession?

Kingdom of France:

-King Louis, the recent events in Austria have captured the attention of your court. While they may appear to benefit you at first, there are those who question the outcome. Since the Bavarians were able to secure the thrones without your help, many advisers have suggested that the Wittelsbach dynasty will merely supplant the Habsburgs as the imperial enemy to the east. Additionally, the Elector of Saxony, and with him a large majority of the League, have demanded that Bavaria be expelled. Since the League was formed to guard the German princes against the encroachments of the Emperor, they argue it is absurd to allow the Bavarian Emperor to remain in. Meanwhile, the assassinations in Austria have also drastically impacted the succession crisis in Spain. Two leading claimants are now gone, so now the only hope left for the Habsburgs is the Regent Mariana. For your own part, some advisers have suggested that instead of your wife you should press your brother’s claim, as he might be a more palatable ruler for the Spaniards. There is also still potential for a compromise candidate to be agreed on, which would of course include great territorial concessions to your realm. On the other side of the world, the English pirates have stepped up their attacks on your colonies. Many have called for revenge, which would require sending reinforcements from your fleet to the Caribbean. How will you manage the French state in these precarious times?

Kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland:

-King Charles, your sailors were able to defeat the foul French at sea, but the cursed Montbars managed to escaped. In retaliation, they razed several French cities in the Antilles to the ground with a vengeance. Now, many at court fear that the French may escalate things further to get revenge. The cooperation with the Danish has so far worked, but more measures may be necessary. In Europe meanwhile, the murders of the young Austrian monarch and her mother have sent shockwaves through the continent. The assassinations have also eliminated two leading claimants to the Spanish throne, meaning that the current Spanish Regent is the only hope for the Habsburgs. Many of your advisers have suggested that England be involved to stop the crown from falling to the French, whilst others in Parliament have argued that a war would be far too expensive to maintain. How will you lead England through this time of European crisis?

Duchy of Savoy:

-Duke Charles Emmanuel, tumultuous events stemming from the Austrian murders have altered the situation of the Spanish Succession. Now, some have mentioned you as a compromise candidate for the Spanish throne, though your claim is rather weak. Will you attempt to advocate for yourself as a suitable candidate for the crown of Spain?

Dutch Republic:

-Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt, the murder of the two leading Austrian Habsburgs has shaken all of Europe. Now, with less Habsburg claimants to the throne, it is feared that it is more likely that the next King of Spain will be a Frenchman. Many have argued that the Netherlands must do what it can to prevent such a monstrous upset of the balance of power from occurring, but to do so would require a large military and financial commitment. How will you lead the Dutch Republic in these troubled times?

Kingdom of Denmark and Norway:

-King Christian, your intervention against the French in the Caribbean in conjunction with the English has proved successful. Some of your advisers have suggested that this could signify a new era for Danish colonialism in the New World. Meanwhile, in Europe the events of the Spanish succession threaten to engulf all of Europe into warfare. How will you manage the Danish state of affairs in the coming year?

Kingdom of Sweden:

-Queen Regent Eleonora, by the end of this year your son will be ready to assume the reins of government for himself. During the next year, you must pave the way for a smooth transition of power. In Europe meanwhile, the Spanish succession threatens to lead to war. Due to your commitment to the Triple Alliance, your realm may be drawn in. How will you lead Sweden for the next year?

Tsardom of Russia:

-Tsar Alexis, your commitment of extra troops to the war in the Caucasus has led to success. Your armies proved victorious over the Turks at the Battle of Darial Gorge, and have now captured over half of Ottoman Georgia. Meanwhile, your expeditionary force in Siberia has been able to colonize a small amount of land, though perhaps less than you would’ve hoped. How will you direct the Russian state and manage its affairs?

Kingdom of Prussia:

-King Frederick William, the assassinations of the Austrian leaders has cast a shadow over your realm. Your treaty of marriage and alliance has now been rendered useless, and it is unclear what allies Prussia can next seek in the Empire. Meanwhile, Swedish Pomerania is still a thorn in your side, as is Polish Royal Prussia. How will you deal with the challenges facing Prussia in the next year?

Ottoman Empire:

-Sultan Mehmed, you have been defeated in the Battle of Darial Gorge. The Russians now occupy over half of Georgia, and their force in the Caucasus is far larger than yours. Many have argued that a vast quantity of troops must be sent to support you in that fight. Meanwhile, you have begun to besiege Malta, and if aid doesn’t arrive from any Christian powers it is likely that it will fall to your armies. How will you deal with the Russian invaders and continue to promote prosperity at home?

Electorate of Saxony:

-Elector John George, you have petitioned the French King to expel the Bavarians from the League of the Rhine. You’ve received support from most all of the League members, except for the Bishop-Electors. With the immensely grown Bavaria to the south and the traditional Prussian rival to the north, your realm is sandwiched between two powerful expansionist neighbors. Your advisers agree that the League of the Rhine, and with it protection from the King of France, is necessary for the safety of your realm. How will you increase your Electorate’s security and guard it from foreign threats?

Armies, Navies, and Locations

Wittelsbach Monarchy
115,000 Men. 15,000 in Army of Bavaria, 73,000 in Army of the Danube, 32,000 in Army of Germany, 5,000 in Army of Italy.
(Can raise 66,000 more)
0 ships of the line

Kingdom of Spain
150,000 Men. 50,000 in Army of Iberia, 50,000 in Army of Flanders, 25,000 in Army of Italy, 25,000 in Army of New Spain.
(Can raise 104,000 more)
100 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of France
150,000 Men. 50,000 in Army of the Pyrenees, 50,000 in Army of Calais, 50,000 in Army of the Rhine.
(Can raise 104,000 more)
95 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of England
50,000 Men. 30,000 in Army of England, 20,000 in Army of Scotland, 10,000 in Army of Ireland.
(Can raise 34,000 more)
99 Ships of the Line

Duchy of Savoy
15,000 Men in Army of Piedmont.
(Can raise 4,000 more)
5 Ships of the Line

Dutch Republic
50,000 Men in Dutch States Army, 40,000 in Army of Amsterdam.
(Can raise 44,000 more)
130 Ships of the Line

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway
20,000 Men. 15,000 in Army of Denmark, 5,000 in Army of Norway.
(Can raise 19,000 more)
31 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 29,000 more)
35 Ships of the Line

Tsardom of Russia
122,500 Men. 107,500 in Army of the Caucasus, 15,000 in Army of Siberia.
(Can raise 16,000 more)
25 Ships of the Line

Brandenburg-Prussia
10,000 Men. 7,500 in Army of Brandenburg, 2,500 in Army of Prussia.
(Can raise 24,000 more)
15 Ships of the Line

Ottoman Empire
124,000 Men. 50,000 in Army of the Balkans, 15,000 in Army of the Tigris and Euphrates, 30,500 in Army of the Caucasus, 25,000 in Army of North Africa.
(Can raise 31,000 more)
65 Ships of the Line

Electorate of Saxony
10,000 Men in Army of Saxony.
(Can raise 5,000 more)
0 Ships of the Line

[Garlan Gunter]

William, Prince of Orange, well beloved nephew of King Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland, commonly styled as King of Great Britain, is formally gazetted to the Dukedoms of Clarence, Orkney, and Leinster, and, further, betrothed to the Princess Mary of York. The Prince of Orange shall be known by his title of Clarence while in London, and is appointed to His Majesty's Privy Council prior to receiving further formal employment.

The Duke of York remains heir presumptive to the throne at this present time.

Admiral the Earl of Sandwich is advanced to a Marquessate and additionally appointed Governor of Guyana and Viceroy in the Caribbees.

Commodore Edward Collier is to be dubbed a knight for his late distinguished service at sea, with the ceremony of knighting commuted to Admiral Viceroy the Marquess of Sandwich for this occasion.

Sir Thomas Osborne is granted the Earldom of Danby.

Viscount Halifax is raised to an Earldom.

The Duke of Buckingham, lately under His Majesty's disfavour, is an old and trusted friend for all that and will receive a second chance in the form of the Governorship of Carolina, with responsibility for overseeing extended new settlement, and taking over the Lord Proprietorship once exercised by the disgraced Lord Clarendon and his sons. Mr John Locke is to accompany the Duke into the New World as a confidential man of affairs and counsellor.

Sir William Coventry is named to the Order of the Garter.

Samuel Pepys Esq is to be knighted by the hand of the Duke of York.

King Charles's intention is to protect the Church and so let the Church in turn protect the realm. He makes it clear that the King is the Supreme Governor and must therefore himself conform to the Church's articles and communion, nor shall any prince of this realm fall from the Church's middle way into any unseasonable extreme. Thus confident in its supremacy and primacy within the realm, the Church need not fear the employment and private tolerance of dissenters and Papists where any such be loyal and true subjects of the King and servants to the State.

The King heartily condemns the vile and cowardly regicide and infanticide in Austria. He knows the Emperor for a wise prince and expects speedy, just and thorough punishment for the perpetrators of this outrage, as does, no doubt, all Europe.

King Charles is open to discussion and negotiation over the question of Spain. He considers the Triple Alliance unaltered, active and vital at this time.

- Charles R

[Kingpoleon]

An Edict of Ferdinand IV Wittelsbach, Elector of Bavaria and Bohemia, King of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia, Duke of Bavaria, Holy Roman Emperor

“An immediate investigation shall be launched into the regicide of the Queen Regent and her daughter. Justice and order shall be restored throughout my lands, and the stability of the Empire shall be paramount. I shall begin immediately consulting with my advisors on the integration of the Wittelsbach Monarchy.”

[Garlan Gunter]

Line of Succession to England, Scotland and Ireland

1. Prince James, Duke of York and Albany, heir presumptive to the three thrones

2. Prince Edgar, Duke of Cambridge

3. Princess Mary of York

4. Princess Anne of York

5. Prince William, Duke of Clarence, Orkney and Leinster (to receive the Crown Matrimonial should his betrothed wife Princess Mary succeed)

6. Prince Rupert, Duke of Cumberland

7. James, Duke of Monmouth, the King's eldest, well beloved natural son, included in the line of succession behind the legitimate blood royal as a mark of signal honour and affection, and his issue

Only communicating members of the Church of England are henceforth to be numbered among the succession.

- Charles R

[Kingpoleon]

Line of Succession to the Wittelsbach Monarchy:

1. Crown Prince Maximilian Emanuel, Count of Munich
2. Prince Joseph Clemens, Count of Vienna
3. Prince Kajetan Franz, Count of Prague
4. Princess Maria Anna Victoria, Countess of Budapest
5. Duke Maximilian Philipp Hieronymus, Duke of Leuchtenburg

Should one of my daughters become second in line to the throne, they shall marry a Palatinate Wittelsbach or a distant cousin Wittelsbach, so that the family name may never be in danger of leaving the throne.

[Continential]

The Kingdom of Denmark-Norway will build 15 more ships and will send 2 ships to colonize the Gold Coast in Africa (It did happen in OTL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danish_Gold_Coast) and also encourage settlers in Newfoundland and Greenland, and the Gold Coast and will invest into the slave trade in Europe and North America.

[lfromnj]

The East India company will expand trade into the East Indies to procure spice routes. Use 5 ships of the lines for this.

5000 soldiers will be sent and 5 ships will be sent to Suriname.

20 thousand more soldiers will be raised in the Army of Amsterdam.

The Dutch Republic officially proclaims a declaration of religious tolerance. Although the official state religion will still be the Protestant Church of the Netherlands any and all religions will be accepted from across the world provided they do not cause any harm to the Netherlands.

We will build 20 more ships.

The Dutch oppose any French intervention in the installment of their puppet in the Kingdom of Spain.

OOC(Also to the GM can I have an explanation of the dice system and warfare?)

[Garlan Gunter]

(Note for information - as per previous agreements England and the Dutch Republic have exchanged New Nederland and Tangier for Guyana/Suriname!)