Before reading this post, I must remind everyone of my updated plans for the trio of Soviet stories:
Since I am playing a trilogy of stories/games concerning the rise and possible fall of the Soviet Union, I have decided to actually link up all three games together. By this I mean that, after this scenario, the second one will be modded to reflect my situation at the end of the game as far as territories, and then the same to the thrid and final game. For instance, if I end this game in possession of the Japanese islands, I will include them in my next start position. However, if this removes a civ from the start of a game then I will lessen the territories as to allow the civ (like Japan) to be included in the scenario. Or if I should suffer badly at the end of this game (like being invaded by Germany and losing some of my western territories) that too will be included in the next scenario.
This greatly affects how I play the game from now on, as not only do I have to worry about how I perform during this game, but also what kind of a start position I will have in the next scenario. Now onto the big news and the advise I desperately need.
Following the end of hostilities with Japan, my priorities were to re-build my shattered military and try to it up to match that of the other European countries in size and strength. I have been building city improvements affecting citizen happiness, and am continuing to do so. Most cities now have all available buildings that affect happiness up to Stadiums. Thats the best that I can do for now until other improvements become available. My economy is doing just fine and so I have the finances to greatly expand my military to at least double that of what it was previously.
I still have a ton of of un-improved tiles all throughout Russia, so I also set about improving tiles like mad to keep my money supply high with the increase of my military.
I catch some attempts at planting supplies in Saint Peterseburg and even have two cities hit by propaganda and sabotage.
For a year there is peace - no wars anywhere, and so I keep on building and sitting back. Then the uneasy peace unravels.
In week 41 of 1903, the valiant but tiny Boers declare war on the British (yaaa!
). Right before my eyes, this single declaration of war sparks an entire round of other declarations as the conflict between the Boers and the British suddenly engulfs most of Europe.
Right after the Boers' declaration of war, Germany declares war on France. Scandinavia signs an MA with Britian against Germany. The Balkans sign an MA against the Boerse with Britian. Chile and the British sign an MA against the Boers, and then against Germany. Finally, the Ottomans sign an MA against Germany with France. Naturally, these declarations of war will include Austro-Hungary due to their locked alliance with Germany.
Unfotunately, it seems that I still cannot sign MA's - a quick look at the tech tree is not helping. I can't seem to find the tech that gives me the ability to do so.
Naturally, the big question is: what the heck should I do? To give everyone a clearer picture of the situation, let's get a breakdown of my current position as of week 45, 1904, right after the outbreak of war.
First is my military strength compared to others, as well as attitudes and current diplomatic aggreements:
Britain: Weak, Furious, I have a spy in their capital
France: Weak, Annoyed
Germany: Average, Polite ROP, trading Game for 18 gpt
A-H: Strong, Annoyed
Scandinavia: Strong, Annoyed
Ottomans: Strong, Cautious, have spy in their capital, ROP
Balkans: Strong, Cautious
USA: Average, Annoyed
China: Strong, Polite, have spy in their capital, ROP
Low Countries: Strong, Annoyed
Portugal: Strong, Cautious
Spain: Strong, Cautious
Japan: Strong, Furious, peace treaty, getting 50 gpt
The first moves on the large coalition's part against Germany is in the Far East when I spot a very large French and British force marches up from India and Indochina:
I am unsure what the Germans have for units in Tsingtao, obviously the destination for the two Entente armies. For myself, I have Hong Kong garrisoned with only 7 infantry, 2 cavalry, and 10 horse artillery, while Shanghai has but 6 infantry, 5 cavalry and 4 horse artillery. I am forming two full armies (of 21 units plus 13 art each), but this just started and so the armies won't be ready for some time. I have decided to only expand my East Asian fleets, but they are quite strong, nearly double that during the last war.
On the European front, here's a pic:
My border cities are garrisoned by at least 3 infantry and 2 MG's, while I have 5 full armies (each with 21 units and 13 artillery) positioned back behind the front. Another army, the same size as the others, is protecting the border with Scandinavia. My overall plan was to garrison my border cities with at least 5 infantry and 3 MG's, but have not finished it yet.
My Dilemma
I really do not want to side with the British alliance - Britain and France are still far ahead of my, and siding with them against Germany and A-H would simply hand them even more vp's while weakening the Germano-Austro-Hungarian alliance. However, I am in no position to go to war in the Far East right now. My small garrison at Hong Kong cannot survive an attack should the two French and British armies turn from Tsingtao and attack. They are within 1-2 turns of reaching Hong Kong should I go to war. Siding with Germany would allow me to lessen my defenses somewhat on the European front, as France would have to fight their way through to get to me. I could transfer at least two armies to the far east, but it will take them at least 3-4 turns before reaching either Hong Kong or Shanghai. Shanghai is safe from immediate attack, but Hong Kong could easily fall before reinforcements can be shipped overseas.
I certainly will not declare war - I can easily force someone to declare war on me though (especially Britain if I conduct a round or two of spying to piss them off).
On the other hand, going to war with Germany could be profitable, since they will be forced to fight a two-front wawr with France. Yet, will the French and British stick in it long enough, or will I find myself all alone against Germany and A-H in a few turns?
Then again, do I even want to get pulled into this conflict, perhaps it won't last very long? I could sit back at watch it from the sidelines while taking the opportunity to continue to build up, free from the conflict.
I truly have a dilemma and can't decide how to proceeed. There are so many unseen pitfalls in any decision I make. Though I tried to relate as much info as I can, I understand its not the entire picture to make an informed decision. Yet, what kind of advise can anyone offer?
). If you have questions, just ask.)
But I get ahead of myself. After you get your strength and treasury back up, decide who's weakest in your region, and go after them. That's about all you can do.
