Luckymoose
The World is Mine
Hmm where is Harleqin.
HarlNESIII - The Decline of France
- Thread starter Harleqin
- Start date
Communisto
Condottiere
what time of the day does he usually update?
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
In around 3 hours.
Communisto
Condottiere
whats the deal?
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
HQ you are online. Update ETA!!!!
Harleqin
Hippo Power
Update is coming 
I'm just trying to find a specific picture. Update HAS been written. And relax, I'm working 50 hours a week right now. Quite busy. Give me ten minutes to try and find a proper image.
I'm just trying to find a specific picture. Update HAS been written. And relax, I'm working 50 hours a week right now. Quite busy. Give me ten minutes to try and find a proper image.
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
Yay, bow down to you. *prays for a sliver of green*
Communisto
Condottiere
hahah i remember having a folder called "NES Pictures" for stories and stuff when i first started nesing
Harleqin
Hippo Power
UPDATE 5 April-September 1828
AFRICA
In Africa the Omani continues their rapid expansion as a Jihad is called against the Christian nation of Ethiopia. Having always struggled to survive against the unfriendly Muslim nations surrounding her, this could be the darkest hour for Ethiopia as the battle-hardened Omani forces cross the border.
Led by the fanatical Fedayeen and supported by Mujahadeen volunteers as well as regular army units, the Ethiopian border guards are overwhelmed. The war quickly becomes a rout as the local troops break and scatter. Within weeks all central control has vanished and the remote areas are instead taken over by local warlords
The victorious Mujahedeen are rewarded with land in Ethiopia which is taken from the local farmers. Some are simply displaced, some are killed when they refuse to revert to islam and yet some are sent to other parts of the nation as slave labour.
On Madagascar the Omani invests a lot of time into improving the port of Tadlagnaro in the hope of getting it to grow and become a major stop on the Europe-Asia trade routes. The idea is good, but has not worked so far, mainly due to the reduction in trade due to the major wars in Europe.
(Oman: +1 size)
Further north the Egyptian rebels maintain their siege on Alexandria in an attempt to starve out the defenders and also start constructing defenses against the Ottomans on the border. They soon get an unpleasant surprise though as Cyrenaican and Tunesian troops cross the eastern border. Initially hailed as comrades in arms, the truth is soon revealed as they start occupying towns and villages, forcibly disarming the weak Egyptian garrisons in the areas and taking over control.
On the eastern border the Ottomans launch several minor, probing attacks, disrupting the Egyptian progress of constructing a defensive line, but also encouraging them to work even harder to be ready before the inevitable attack. When the attack came, it wasnt where expected though. The small Ottoman flotilla in Jeddah cross the Red Sea landing several Ottoman divisions on the Egyptian coastline.
The Ottoman forces secure the area and then move quickly north with the fleet, landing and securing all major population centers that they pass. Eventually they make land on the Sinai and march towards the Egyptian position. Caught almost completely unaware, the Egyptian border forces are caught between two armies and despite fighting furiously are eventually completely annihilated. Though the number of dead is relatively low, thousands are taken prisoners and those who do escape did so in small, unorganized groups, little more than brigands now.
Having achieved this great victory the forces move towards the capital to crush the rebellion in a swift stroke. Trained assassins hit at the bey, but he, miraculously, manage to survive and flee south. As September draws to an end, the rebellion is all but crushed, though there are still enemy divisions near Alexandria and the southern population has still not been brought back under Ottoman rule.
(Egypt: -4 divisions, Ottomans, -2 divisions)
Elsewhere, the Portuguese continue their expansion reaching the Congo river and the British grant limited independence to their coastal colonies.
SOUTH AMERICA
The Spanish decide to utilize their naval supremacy and starts landing troops in rebel territory close to the Peruvian border in an attempt to cut the rebel forces in half and disrupt their supplies. At the same time, forces attack from the north seeking to systematically put out the pockets of rebel resistance. This works quite well, though Spanish forces are surprised to suddenly meet regular Peruvian army units. Whilst no hostilities have broken out yet, the Peruvians are in Spanish territory, laying claim to some provinces saying that it is better for the population than being under rebel control.
(Spain: -1 division)
In Argentina the new president is increasingly portrayed as a great liberator and protector of the weak, increasing his popularity with the masses. Trade is also opened up with Bolivia in an attempt to both help their neighbor, but also to increase the Argentine population further inland. This works quite well as people relocate both to start using the land, but also because they are attracted to the increased trade.
(Argentina: +1 city)
In Brazil the Portuguese start distributing new, experimental medicine that can counter many diseases plaguing the colony. So far results havent been too visible, but there are strong hopes that it will make the mortality rate drop. A small force is also sent north, capturing French Guyana.
NORTH AMERICA
The Americans continue the settlement of the Frontier though progress is slow. Large number of Indians, often hostile, and the physical hardships of moving several hundred kilometers and then setting up a new farm keeps many settlers from making the trek as they prefer to settle the more civilized lands further east.
Elsewhere the dispute in Quebec is settled as the British moves out and leaves the area to the Americans. On the way back to Europe the forces stop to occupy Newfoundland. Preparations are also started for a some future vote, though people are still unsure what it is all about.
ASIA
In China the authorities continue their search for opium, but progress is limited. Either the trade has been stopped, the criminals have become better at hiding or possible they have just gone underground.
New roads are being constructed and several other public works are initiated. The domestic improvements in China are quite remarkable and several diplomats have started sending home messages that the dragon seems to be awakening and that it might prove useful to keep a closer eye on events there.
The replacements in the administration seems to be ending as well as the number of corrupt officials, at least detectable, seems to have plummeted. A few are replaced here and there, but nowhere near the numbers of the last few years.
Finally, the Chinese start developing and settling their protectorate in the east. Initially suspicious, the locals notice the increase the trade and agrees to let the Chinese traders settle and make a home in their lands.
(China: +1 city)
EASTERN EUROPE
In the Caucasus the Ottomans continue to increase their defenses in case of a Russian attack though they neednt have bothered. A messenger from Russia arrives informing the Ottomans that they were declaring a cease-fire, though the message was received with a mixture of disbelief and distrust by the Ottoman generals. Unwilling to risk being tricked they continued improving their defensive positions.
It was not a trick though as they wanted to focus on taking out the Austrians, hoping that they would prove easier opponents considering they also had to guard against Prussian advances. Knowing they were in trouble, the Austrians forcibly conscripted as many men as they could possibly arm, sending women to take over their work in factories and other shops. This worked quite well giving the Austrians a huge amount of men whilst still maintaining some production.
Things start well enough when the Poles agree to give the Austrians a right of passage (not that they were in a position to refuse) and an Austrian force started moving through Silesia. Almost at the same time, unbeknownst to the Austrians, the Prussians also secured a right of passage with the Poles. This led to a quite amusing situation, at least for the neutral Polish observers that the Prussian and Austrian army passed within a few kilometers of each other, but without detecting the other.
The result of this was that the Austrian army, basically unopposed, managed to push all the way up into Pommeria and secure Stettin. On the other hand, the movement of the Prussian army meant that Krakow fell as well. The situation was worst for the Austrians who found themselves in hostile territory and without supply lines. This was amended by the army simply seizing what they could. Finding themselves at Stettin with enemies behind them, but none in front of them they set out to the southwest towards Berlin.
Meanwhile, the Prussians were also busy. In Bavaria it was mainly a case of give and take. In the west the Palatinate was captured, but in the east, the Prussian forces were pushed back out of Bavaria.
In Bohemia progress was slow as neither the Prussians nor the Austrians seemed overly interested in committing to battle. Trying to preserve forces both sides made only limited attacks and tried instead to focus on the defensive. Even so, the better quality of the Prussian forces meant that they did make some progress although limited.
Returning to the northern Austrian army, it had, of course, been detected by now and messengers were frantically trying to get to the Prussian armies in order to get troops back and help with the defense of Berlin. Volunteers were armed and barricades quickly erected. The closest Prussian army was the one which had just been kicked out of Bavaria and which wasnt in the best of conditions. Even so, it had to make do, particularly after the Saxons refused to send troops claiming they didnt have any to spare and saying that Berlins defenses should be adequate to the task.
The battle stood in early August. Large Austrian forces had reached the Prussian capital and though they assumed they were outnumbering the defenders, they preferred to not take any chances. The city was thoroughly shelled by the Austrian artillery, severely damaging the city. The shelling continued for days before the Austrians launched the first attack. At first it went well, but the combination of stubbornness, pride, and fighting for their homes compared with the somewhat poor morale of many of the Austrian forces, the attack faltered and the Austrian commander decided to prepare his position and keep the city under siege whilst hoping to receive new instructions from Vienna.
On the eastern front, the Austrians dug in to receive the second wave of Russian troops. Those defenses proved necessary. Severely outnumbered and guarding a long border, the Russians seemingly had all the advantages. All the Austrians really had going for them was better commanders, better knowledge of the terrain and entrenched artillery.
Several Russian attacks were repelled at a high cost, but the line was holding. Then the elite ангел смертный divisions entered the fray, supported by Cossacks and standard fodder. This proved more than the troops in the sector could oppose and the Russians managed to break through the lines and gain ground. Dangers to the supply lines forced them to stop again though and the situation remains a stalemate.
And, finally, in the south, the Austrians and Neapolitans reached a diplomatic agreement which had the Austrians withdraw from Lombardy and hand it over to the Neapolitans. They didnt completely trust them though and kept forces on the border, just in case. This proved a wise precaution as the Neapolitans proved completely without honour breaking the peace treaty almost before the ink on the paper had dried.
First came a naval blockade of Trieste and soon after troops started landing along the Dalmatian coast. Ragusa and Split soon fell, though Austrian forces managed to reach Fiume in order to protect the city.
(Naples: -1 division, Prussia: -4 divisions, Bavaria: -3 divisions, Austria: -7 divisions, Russia: -7 divisions, -many irregular troops)
WESTERN EUROPE
In Catalonia Barcelona switches hands once more. Anticipating a Spanish attack in the area, Emperor Napoleon pulls out his forces. Only a few weeks later the Spanish arrive, as expected and hit the city hard with coastal bombardments before sending in the groundforces. As the city is captured yet again, is bombed down and as trade stops due to the constant warfare in the region it is less of a prize and more of a shell.
(-Barcelona TC)
Pleased with his success Joseph Bonaparte then announces the new constitution, allowing, amongst other things, free press, free speech and free elections amongst many other things. Some security is built in though as he maintains a veto right unless there is overwhelming support for new laws.
The new constitution is quickly tested as anti-war sentiments begins to get published in the papers, arguing that Spain should not be involved in a destructive war with France, but rather focus on regaining the lost colonies. The fact that some marauding French cavalry units are moving rapidly through Spain burning and pillaging also has a major influence on the public opinion. Whilst people start hating the French more, the dissatisfaction with the war is also growing. The general sentiment seems to be that peace should be sought now that Catalonia is back in Spanish hands.
This is further increased later as the Spanish army in Bordeaux suffers a crushing defeat to the French. Despite doing their best to reinforce the city, they never anticipated roughly a third of the French army to come bearing down on them. With the population of the city also being hostile, there was little the Spanish could do despite having some of their best divisions in the town. Whilst the French did suffer losses taking the city, it is nothing compared to the losses the Spanish suffered as whole regiments threw down their weapons and surrendered.
(Spain: -6 divisions, France: -3 divisions, -5 irregular+ divisions)
All is not well for the French though. Several high ranking officers are discovered dead and though security is tightened it is a bit too late as the replacements cause some delay and disruption as they have to be informed about a lot of plans.
Even though things are going well on the southern front, problems have appeared in other areas. In the north the forces moving to engage the British in Alsace-Lorraine discovers the province void of enemy troops. Asking around they learn from local peasants that the enemy forces suddenly packed up and moved out two weeks earlier heading back west. This troubled general Michael as it forced him to throw the entire offensive plan out the proverbial window. Knowing that a second French army was converging on the position he realized that with such concentration of force in the area, it left France dangerously open in other locations. Seeking to catch the English in order to prevent them from just disappearing and attacking someplace else, he turned his army west in pursuit.
The army general Michael couldnt find was found by general Bicheleau or rather, it found him. Having made it back into territory protected by Dutch forces it had linked up with Hanoverian forces and started a push south towards Paris.
Severely outnumbered, but knowing he had to make a stand or Paris might fall, Bicheleau deployed his forces and awaited the oncoming British. The resulting battle was the bloodiest the war has yet seen. The French refused to move knowing that they were the last line of defense and the allied forces knew a win could end the war. When the dust finally settled the field of battle was under the control of the British-Hanoverian forces. They were severely decimated though. Concentrated French artillery fire at a range and deadly grapeshots at the closer distances had killed and maimed tens of thousands of troops. The victory was hard fought, but it was theirs. The French army, or what remained of it, was in full retreat towards Paris and the way seemed open.
Fate intervened yet again though to prolong the conflict. Messengers arrived whilst the army was recovering informing about the approach of the 3rd French army under Michael.
Knowing they wouldnt be able to fight such a battle again so soon, they had no choice but to move towards the coast and the British fleet so that they could get supplies and get the wounded sent back home.[1]
(Hanover: -2 divisions, Britain: -12 divisions, France: -8 divisions)
The French were soon to be struck by another blow as the Portuguese decided to make their presence felt. Deciding on a risky gamble a large force landed just north of La Rochelle as the navy focused on bombarding the city. Taking their time to secure the area and give the fleet time to do their job, the Portuguese forces eventually moved south and attacked the worn out defenders of the city, winning an easy victory.
The landing site was extremely well chosen and also quite lucky. The only thing that really went against the Portuguese was the fact that the French managed to retake Bordeaux in the south. Even so, by the time the troops landed, the city was still in Spanish hands.
Having taken La Rochelle, and confident in the ability of the Spanish, the Portuguese moved on towards Niort. Despite expecting heavy resistance, things went surprisingly well due to the complete absence of French troops. Unbeknownst to them, the French were, at the time, marching on Alsace and fighting at Bordeaux. A small group of French troops did engage the Portuguese in battle, but they were way too weak to have any chance of stopping the attackers.
Encouraged by their triumph they initially considered continuing on, but by this time news reached them of the Spanish collapse in Bordeaux and worried about having their supply lines cut, they pulled back a bit and settled in for the inevitable French counter attack.
(Portugal: -2 divisions, France: -1 division)
GENERAL EVENTS
The continued warfare in Europe starts to severely affect the involved nations. Economies drop as trade grounds to a halt and workers join the army and confidence falls throughout the continent as people want the warring to stop. On the bright side, the continued warfare has some positive effects on the military of the warring nations as commanders learn new tricks and troops get battlefield experience.
[1] Kal, please re-read the section on army training.
[2] No orders from Denmark, United Provinces, Hanover, HBC, Mexico and Persia
AFRICA
In Africa the Omani continues their rapid expansion as a Jihad is called against the Christian nation of Ethiopia. Having always struggled to survive against the unfriendly Muslim nations surrounding her, this could be the darkest hour for Ethiopia as the battle-hardened Omani forces cross the border.
Led by the fanatical Fedayeen and supported by Mujahadeen volunteers as well as regular army units, the Ethiopian border guards are overwhelmed. The war quickly becomes a rout as the local troops break and scatter. Within weeks all central control has vanished and the remote areas are instead taken over by local warlords
The victorious Mujahedeen are rewarded with land in Ethiopia which is taken from the local farmers. Some are simply displaced, some are killed when they refuse to revert to islam and yet some are sent to other parts of the nation as slave labour.
On Madagascar the Omani invests a lot of time into improving the port of Tadlagnaro in the hope of getting it to grow and become a major stop on the Europe-Asia trade routes. The idea is good, but has not worked so far, mainly due to the reduction in trade due to the major wars in Europe.
(Oman: +1 size)
Further north the Egyptian rebels maintain their siege on Alexandria in an attempt to starve out the defenders and also start constructing defenses against the Ottomans on the border. They soon get an unpleasant surprise though as Cyrenaican and Tunesian troops cross the eastern border. Initially hailed as comrades in arms, the truth is soon revealed as they start occupying towns and villages, forcibly disarming the weak Egyptian garrisons in the areas and taking over control.
On the eastern border the Ottomans launch several minor, probing attacks, disrupting the Egyptian progress of constructing a defensive line, but also encouraging them to work even harder to be ready before the inevitable attack. When the attack came, it wasnt where expected though. The small Ottoman flotilla in Jeddah cross the Red Sea landing several Ottoman divisions on the Egyptian coastline.
The Ottoman forces secure the area and then move quickly north with the fleet, landing and securing all major population centers that they pass. Eventually they make land on the Sinai and march towards the Egyptian position. Caught almost completely unaware, the Egyptian border forces are caught between two armies and despite fighting furiously are eventually completely annihilated. Though the number of dead is relatively low, thousands are taken prisoners and those who do escape did so in small, unorganized groups, little more than brigands now.
Having achieved this great victory the forces move towards the capital to crush the rebellion in a swift stroke. Trained assassins hit at the bey, but he, miraculously, manage to survive and flee south. As September draws to an end, the rebellion is all but crushed, though there are still enemy divisions near Alexandria and the southern population has still not been brought back under Ottoman rule.
(Egypt: -4 divisions, Ottomans, -2 divisions)
Elsewhere, the Portuguese continue their expansion reaching the Congo river and the British grant limited independence to their coastal colonies.
SOUTH AMERICA
The Spanish decide to utilize their naval supremacy and starts landing troops in rebel territory close to the Peruvian border in an attempt to cut the rebel forces in half and disrupt their supplies. At the same time, forces attack from the north seeking to systematically put out the pockets of rebel resistance. This works quite well, though Spanish forces are surprised to suddenly meet regular Peruvian army units. Whilst no hostilities have broken out yet, the Peruvians are in Spanish territory, laying claim to some provinces saying that it is better for the population than being under rebel control.
(Spain: -1 division)
In Argentina the new president is increasingly portrayed as a great liberator and protector of the weak, increasing his popularity with the masses. Trade is also opened up with Bolivia in an attempt to both help their neighbor, but also to increase the Argentine population further inland. This works quite well as people relocate both to start using the land, but also because they are attracted to the increased trade.
(Argentina: +1 city)
In Brazil the Portuguese start distributing new, experimental medicine that can counter many diseases plaguing the colony. So far results havent been too visible, but there are strong hopes that it will make the mortality rate drop. A small force is also sent north, capturing French Guyana.
NORTH AMERICA
The Americans continue the settlement of the Frontier though progress is slow. Large number of Indians, often hostile, and the physical hardships of moving several hundred kilometers and then setting up a new farm keeps many settlers from making the trek as they prefer to settle the more civilized lands further east.
Elsewhere the dispute in Quebec is settled as the British moves out and leaves the area to the Americans. On the way back to Europe the forces stop to occupy Newfoundland. Preparations are also started for a some future vote, though people are still unsure what it is all about.
ASIA
In China the authorities continue their search for opium, but progress is limited. Either the trade has been stopped, the criminals have become better at hiding or possible they have just gone underground.
New roads are being constructed and several other public works are initiated. The domestic improvements in China are quite remarkable and several diplomats have started sending home messages that the dragon seems to be awakening and that it might prove useful to keep a closer eye on events there.
The replacements in the administration seems to be ending as well as the number of corrupt officials, at least detectable, seems to have plummeted. A few are replaced here and there, but nowhere near the numbers of the last few years.
Finally, the Chinese start developing and settling their protectorate in the east. Initially suspicious, the locals notice the increase the trade and agrees to let the Chinese traders settle and make a home in their lands.
(China: +1 city)
EASTERN EUROPE
In the Caucasus the Ottomans continue to increase their defenses in case of a Russian attack though they neednt have bothered. A messenger from Russia arrives informing the Ottomans that they were declaring a cease-fire, though the message was received with a mixture of disbelief and distrust by the Ottoman generals. Unwilling to risk being tricked they continued improving their defensive positions.
It was not a trick though as they wanted to focus on taking out the Austrians, hoping that they would prove easier opponents considering they also had to guard against Prussian advances. Knowing they were in trouble, the Austrians forcibly conscripted as many men as they could possibly arm, sending women to take over their work in factories and other shops. This worked quite well giving the Austrians a huge amount of men whilst still maintaining some production.
Things start well enough when the Poles agree to give the Austrians a right of passage (not that they were in a position to refuse) and an Austrian force started moving through Silesia. Almost at the same time, unbeknownst to the Austrians, the Prussians also secured a right of passage with the Poles. This led to a quite amusing situation, at least for the neutral Polish observers that the Prussian and Austrian army passed within a few kilometers of each other, but without detecting the other.
The result of this was that the Austrian army, basically unopposed, managed to push all the way up into Pommeria and secure Stettin. On the other hand, the movement of the Prussian army meant that Krakow fell as well. The situation was worst for the Austrians who found themselves in hostile territory and without supply lines. This was amended by the army simply seizing what they could. Finding themselves at Stettin with enemies behind them, but none in front of them they set out to the southwest towards Berlin.
Meanwhile, the Prussians were also busy. In Bavaria it was mainly a case of give and take. In the west the Palatinate was captured, but in the east, the Prussian forces were pushed back out of Bavaria.
In Bohemia progress was slow as neither the Prussians nor the Austrians seemed overly interested in committing to battle. Trying to preserve forces both sides made only limited attacks and tried instead to focus on the defensive. Even so, the better quality of the Prussian forces meant that they did make some progress although limited.
Returning to the northern Austrian army, it had, of course, been detected by now and messengers were frantically trying to get to the Prussian armies in order to get troops back and help with the defense of Berlin. Volunteers were armed and barricades quickly erected. The closest Prussian army was the one which had just been kicked out of Bavaria and which wasnt in the best of conditions. Even so, it had to make do, particularly after the Saxons refused to send troops claiming they didnt have any to spare and saying that Berlins defenses should be adequate to the task.
The battle stood in early August. Large Austrian forces had reached the Prussian capital and though they assumed they were outnumbering the defenders, they preferred to not take any chances. The city was thoroughly shelled by the Austrian artillery, severely damaging the city. The shelling continued for days before the Austrians launched the first attack. At first it went well, but the combination of stubbornness, pride, and fighting for their homes compared with the somewhat poor morale of many of the Austrian forces, the attack faltered and the Austrian commander decided to prepare his position and keep the city under siege whilst hoping to receive new instructions from Vienna.
On the eastern front, the Austrians dug in to receive the second wave of Russian troops. Those defenses proved necessary. Severely outnumbered and guarding a long border, the Russians seemingly had all the advantages. All the Austrians really had going for them was better commanders, better knowledge of the terrain and entrenched artillery.
Several Russian attacks were repelled at a high cost, but the line was holding. Then the elite ангел смертный divisions entered the fray, supported by Cossacks and standard fodder. This proved more than the troops in the sector could oppose and the Russians managed to break through the lines and gain ground. Dangers to the supply lines forced them to stop again though and the situation remains a stalemate.
And, finally, in the south, the Austrians and Neapolitans reached a diplomatic agreement which had the Austrians withdraw from Lombardy and hand it over to the Neapolitans. They didnt completely trust them though and kept forces on the border, just in case. This proved a wise precaution as the Neapolitans proved completely without honour breaking the peace treaty almost before the ink on the paper had dried.
First came a naval blockade of Trieste and soon after troops started landing along the Dalmatian coast. Ragusa and Split soon fell, though Austrian forces managed to reach Fiume in order to protect the city.
(Naples: -1 division, Prussia: -4 divisions, Bavaria: -3 divisions, Austria: -7 divisions, Russia: -7 divisions, -many irregular troops)
WESTERN EUROPE
In Catalonia Barcelona switches hands once more. Anticipating a Spanish attack in the area, Emperor Napoleon pulls out his forces. Only a few weeks later the Spanish arrive, as expected and hit the city hard with coastal bombardments before sending in the groundforces. As the city is captured yet again, is bombed down and as trade stops due to the constant warfare in the region it is less of a prize and more of a shell.
(-Barcelona TC)
Pleased with his success Joseph Bonaparte then announces the new constitution, allowing, amongst other things, free press, free speech and free elections amongst many other things. Some security is built in though as he maintains a veto right unless there is overwhelming support for new laws.
The new constitution is quickly tested as anti-war sentiments begins to get published in the papers, arguing that Spain should not be involved in a destructive war with France, but rather focus on regaining the lost colonies. The fact that some marauding French cavalry units are moving rapidly through Spain burning and pillaging also has a major influence on the public opinion. Whilst people start hating the French more, the dissatisfaction with the war is also growing. The general sentiment seems to be that peace should be sought now that Catalonia is back in Spanish hands.
This is further increased later as the Spanish army in Bordeaux suffers a crushing defeat to the French. Despite doing their best to reinforce the city, they never anticipated roughly a third of the French army to come bearing down on them. With the population of the city also being hostile, there was little the Spanish could do despite having some of their best divisions in the town. Whilst the French did suffer losses taking the city, it is nothing compared to the losses the Spanish suffered as whole regiments threw down their weapons and surrendered.
(Spain: -6 divisions, France: -3 divisions, -5 irregular+ divisions)
All is not well for the French though. Several high ranking officers are discovered dead and though security is tightened it is a bit too late as the replacements cause some delay and disruption as they have to be informed about a lot of plans.
Even though things are going well on the southern front, problems have appeared in other areas. In the north the forces moving to engage the British in Alsace-Lorraine discovers the province void of enemy troops. Asking around they learn from local peasants that the enemy forces suddenly packed up and moved out two weeks earlier heading back west. This troubled general Michael as it forced him to throw the entire offensive plan out the proverbial window. Knowing that a second French army was converging on the position he realized that with such concentration of force in the area, it left France dangerously open in other locations. Seeking to catch the English in order to prevent them from just disappearing and attacking someplace else, he turned his army west in pursuit.
The army general Michael couldnt find was found by general Bicheleau or rather, it found him. Having made it back into territory protected by Dutch forces it had linked up with Hanoverian forces and started a push south towards Paris.
Severely outnumbered, but knowing he had to make a stand or Paris might fall, Bicheleau deployed his forces and awaited the oncoming British. The resulting battle was the bloodiest the war has yet seen. The French refused to move knowing that they were the last line of defense and the allied forces knew a win could end the war. When the dust finally settled the field of battle was under the control of the British-Hanoverian forces. They were severely decimated though. Concentrated French artillery fire at a range and deadly grapeshots at the closer distances had killed and maimed tens of thousands of troops. The victory was hard fought, but it was theirs. The French army, or what remained of it, was in full retreat towards Paris and the way seemed open.
Fate intervened yet again though to prolong the conflict. Messengers arrived whilst the army was recovering informing about the approach of the 3rd French army under Michael.
Knowing they wouldnt be able to fight such a battle again so soon, they had no choice but to move towards the coast and the British fleet so that they could get supplies and get the wounded sent back home.[1]
(Hanover: -2 divisions, Britain: -12 divisions, France: -8 divisions)
The French were soon to be struck by another blow as the Portuguese decided to make their presence felt. Deciding on a risky gamble a large force landed just north of La Rochelle as the navy focused on bombarding the city. Taking their time to secure the area and give the fleet time to do their job, the Portuguese forces eventually moved south and attacked the worn out defenders of the city, winning an easy victory.
The landing site was extremely well chosen and also quite lucky. The only thing that really went against the Portuguese was the fact that the French managed to retake Bordeaux in the south. Even so, by the time the troops landed, the city was still in Spanish hands.
Having taken La Rochelle, and confident in the ability of the Spanish, the Portuguese moved on towards Niort. Despite expecting heavy resistance, things went surprisingly well due to the complete absence of French troops. Unbeknownst to them, the French were, at the time, marching on Alsace and fighting at Bordeaux. A small group of French troops did engage the Portuguese in battle, but they were way too weak to have any chance of stopping the attackers.
Encouraged by their triumph they initially considered continuing on, but by this time news reached them of the Spanish collapse in Bordeaux and worried about having their supply lines cut, they pulled back a bit and settled in for the inevitable French counter attack.
(Portugal: -2 divisions, France: -1 division)
GENERAL EVENTS
The continued warfare in Europe starts to severely affect the involved nations. Economies drop as trade grounds to a halt and workers join the army and confidence falls throughout the continent as people want the warring to stop. On the bright side, the continued warfare has some positive effects on the military of the warring nations as commanders learn new tricks and troops get battlefield experience.
[1] Kal, please re-read the section on army training.
[2] No orders from Denmark, United Provinces, Hanover, HBC, Mexico and Persia
Harleqin
Hippo Power
And a map. Unfortunately I couldn't find a good image of a burning French flag... or at least one with bullet holes
Stats will be posted TOMORROW!
Stats will be posted TOMORROW!
Spoiler :
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
Yes Nice Update. @ Amon
Also my aid to my allies with my Trade Companies did help our economies and war efforts a bit right?
Also my aid to my allies with my Trade Companies did help our economies and war efforts a bit right?
Communisto
Condottiere
To: austria
From: Naples
The only way to achieve a lasting peace with Naples is to cede the following territories to us, shown in orange.
To: Tuscana
From: Naples
We are still waiting for a reply.
From: Naples
The only way to achieve a lasting peace with Naples is to cede the following territories to us, shown in orange.
To: Tuscana
From: Naples
We are still waiting for a reply.
From: Prussia
To: Austria
So we have a stalemate, except for the fact that you now have THREE fronts to concern yourself with. Accept our annexation of Prague and its surrounding areas and we can agree to peace. Failure to do so will result in the continued destruction of your Empire as it is pressed from all sides.
To: Austria
So we have a stalemate, except for the fact that you now have THREE fronts to concern yourself with. Accept our annexation of Prague and its surrounding areas and we can agree to peace. Failure to do so will result in the continued destruction of your Empire as it is pressed from all sides.
To: Britain
From: USA
Were you not going to leave Anticosti Island for us?
To: Spain
From: USA
We once again express our interest in purchasing Florida.
To: HBC
From: USA
We have an offer to make to you: Furs are dwindling, your business expenses are growing. Corporate states cannot last. We suggest that the Hudson's Bay Company joins the United States of America and continues to function as a corporation within our nation, no longer forced to pay for the management and government of an entire country.
To: Harleqin
From: USA
Nice update.
From: USA
Were you not going to leave Anticosti Island for us?
To: Spain
From: USA
We once again express our interest in purchasing Florida.
To: HBC
From: USA
We have an offer to make to you: Furs are dwindling, your business expenses are growing. Corporate states cannot last. We suggest that the Hudson's Bay Company joins the United States of America and continues to function as a corporation within our nation, no longer forced to pay for the management and government of an entire country.
To: Harleqin
From: USA
Nice update.
KrimzonStriker
Master of the Dawn
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2005
- Messages
- 1,933
That's what you get for messing with the Ottomans Dog!!
Good update Harl, erez, it's sad to say but I guess your on you own for now. I gotta look out for myself.
Good update Harl, erez, it's sad to say but I guess your on you own for now. I gotta look out for myself.
erez87
Lord of Random
- Joined
- May 16, 2002
- Messages
- 13,500
to Naples:
We already signed deal with you. Austria will not give up it's core areas. You are nothing but unhonorable treaty breakers.
to the Pope:
Do you wish to side with those who broke a written treaty?
OOC: And he better have a good answer.
to Ottomans:
We didn't expect anything else from you.
OOC damn everyone attacking me for no reason.
We already signed deal with you. Austria will not give up it's core areas. You are nothing but unhonorable treaty breakers.
to the Pope:
Do you wish to side with those who broke a written treaty?
OOC: And he better have a good answer.
to Ottomans:
We didn't expect anything else from you.
OOC damn everyone attacking me for no reason.
Communisto
Condottiere
To: Pope
From: Naples
A treaty signed by heathens means nothing anyways. These austrians frateranize with the brutal turks who pursecute and enslave Christians from the balkans to the holy lands.
From: Naples
A treaty signed by heathens means nothing anyways. These austrians frateranize with the brutal turks who pursecute and enslave Christians from the balkans to the holy lands.
erez87
Lord of Random
- Joined
- May 16, 2002
- Messages
- 13,500
We are no heathens. Only because of the Pope words that we shall leave Italy we left.
We will allow the pope all of Austria to look for real heathens and heresy if he will cancel all ties to the Naples crown.
OOC:
Berlin, my southern coastal city and probably Prague (just like Warsaw) shouldn't be EC's. And I understand Warsaw still isn't one?
I also commanded my army to first go to that EC in east Prussia (EC's are important...) I assume it refused?
to Prussia:
Sign peace with Bavaria and Austria or watch your capital burned down.
We will allow the pope all of Austria to look for real heathens and heresy if he will cancel all ties to the Naples crown.
OOC:
Berlin, my southern coastal city and probably Prague (just like Warsaw) shouldn't be EC's. And I understand Warsaw still isn't one?
I also commanded my army to first go to that EC in east Prussia (EC's are important...) I assume it refused
?to Prussia:
Sign peace with Bavaria and Austria or watch your capital burned down.
