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EU4 - Development Diary - 12th of January 2021

After a few weeks without Dev Diaries, I am happy to present you a new one. I hope you all had a great time during them!

When I joined Paradox in October, Polynesia was not included in this Expansion. Considering it was the last part of the Earth without representation, I thought it would be nice to have some work done on it, so I proposed some ideas that I am happy to share with you all.

But, before I start, I would like to thank @Meka66 for his help and work that has greatly inspired me for this project.

THE MAP
The map has been slightly changed, since the basic needed setup was already there. However, in order to go a bit deeper, a few provinces have been added here and there. Do note that the flags are still a placeholder and not the final result.

Starting with Fiji, the archipelago has been divided in three provinces: one for each big island (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) and a third one for the Lau archipelago that had a great influence from Tonga. Each province has a country inhabiting it, which is an abstraction of the many clans that populated each island. Should you unite them all under your banner, you will be able to form Viti.

Fiji Archipelago.png

[Fiji Archipelago and TAGs]​

In New Zealand a new province has been added in North Island which has the most populated one by the Maori people. The number of countries, though, goes up to 7. Six of them (Mataatua, Tainui, Takitimu, Taranaki, Te Arawa and Te Tai Tokerau) are in the Northern Island and Waitaha is in the Southern One. As in the case of Fiji, a Maori country that manages to unite the area is able to form Aotearoa.

New Zealand Archipelago.png

[New Zealand Archipelago and TAGs]​

Finally, the greatest transformation has been done in the Hawaiian Archipelago, that has gone from one province to four. Each province has their own country attached (Hawai’i, Kaua’i, Maui and O’ahu). As in the other cases, there is a formable for the unifiers of the islands.

Hawaii Archipelago.png

[Hawaii Archipelago and TAGs]​

A Polynesian rework could not let the two most important countries out: Samoa and Tonga.

Samoa & Tonga Archipelago.png

[Samoan and Tongan Archipelagos and TAGs]​

THE MISSIONS
As in the case of the Americas, the mission tree consists of a general common mission tree for every country and some specific missions for each country or group of them.

Tongan Mission Tree.png

[Tonga Mission Tree]
(Notice that all icons are still placeholders)​

Tonga is probably the most important TAG during this period. Despite the fact that the Tongan Empire is no more, a skillful player could rebuild it, bringing not only the neighboring islands under the control of Tongatapu, but go even further.

Some highlights of this tree include:
  • Bringing both Fiji and Samoa under your control again.
  • Recovering the Tongan Empire.
  • Expand even further.

Samoan Mission Tree.png

[Samoan Mission Tree]
(Notice that all icons are still placeholders).​

If Tonga was the political power during the period, Samoa was the cultural one. Most of the Pacific was colonized from there and from there were most of the traditions that ruled the lives of the Polynesians.

Some highlights of this tree include:
  • Recover the place as the cultural center.
  • Challenge Tonga.
  • Replace Tonga as the main power in the Pacific.

In order to not spoil the surprise, I will let you discover what the missions for the Maori the Fijian and the Hawaiian countries consist of.

THE NATIONAL IDEAS
Adding new TAGs would not be the same if they were not accompanied by their National Ideas.

Starting with the Fijians TAGs, their warring nature brought them a reputation of ruthless combatants, feared by everyone. But Fijians were also deeply religious people and famous shipbuilding artisans. All these things are represented in their National Ideas, making them a rather expansionist set.

Code:
fijian_ideas = {
    start = {
        light_ship_power = 0.1
        naval_attrition = -0.1
    }
  
    bonus = {
        ae_impact = -0.2
    }
  
    trigger = {
        OR = {
            tag = LAI
            tag = VIL
            #TODO: tag = VIT
            tag = VNL
        }
    }
    free = yes
  
    fijian_crossroad = {
        num_accepted_cultures = 2
    }
    fijian_degel = {
        range = 0.1
        global_ship_trade_power = 0.1
    }
    fijian_conjoined = {
        global_missionary_strength = 0.02
    }
    fijian_waqa = {
        prestige_from_naval = 0.4
    }
    fijian_cannibal = {
        army_tradition_from_battle = 0.25
        prestige_from_land = 0.4
    }
    fijian_kai = {
        land_attrition = -0.25
    }
    fijian_confederacy = {
        global_tax_modifier = 0.05
        production_efficiency = 0.05
    }
}
[Fijian National Ideas]​

As in the case of the Fijians, the Maori are famed for their bravery and constant warfare. Their set of ideas is focused on land combat, without disregarding ways to keep the land around a strong leader.

Code:
maori_ideas = {
    start = {
        global_regiment_recruit_speed = -0.10
        harsh_treatment_cost = -0.20
    }
  
    bonus = {
        prestige = 1
    }
  
    trigger = {
        primary_culture = maori
    }
    free = yes
  
    sons_of_kupe = {
        global_sailors_modifier = 0.10
        range = 0.10
    }
    kaikiakitanga = {
        tolerance_own = 1
    }
    kaumatua = {
        stability_cost_modifier = -0.20
    }
    kapa_haka = {
        land_morale = 0.10
    }
    pa_defence = {
        fort_maintenance_modifier = -0.10
    }
    te_moko = {
        leader_land_shock = 1
    }
    maori_king = {
        core_creation = -0.10
        legitimacy = 1
    }
}
[Maori National Ideas]​

As with the missions, we’d better not spoil the surprise by showing everything, am I right? I have a challenge for those that love them: try a world conquest with a Polynesian TAG! There are a couple of things in this area that could help you in that adventure. ;)

THE EVENTS
Events are one of the parts I like the most. While not as much time as I would have liked has been available, I have added more than 40 events to the area, including general events, specific Country events and even a few Easter eggs that I hope you can find and enjoy!

Fiji Event.png

Practice is what makes you a good warrior, after all.
(Notice that all pictures are still placeholders).

Hawaii Event.png

This event can be very nasty if you are in a very bad shape.
(Notice that all pictures are still placeholders).

Samoan Event.png

As Samoa, you will be given the choice to reform your society a bit or go on with the traditions with every ruler.
(Notice that all pictures are still placeholders).​

THE EXTRAS
There are a few things that have been added in order to create a bigger sense of immersion.

Maori culture has been created, separated from the main Polynesian branch. By the start of the game, the Maori were abandoning the Archaic Maori Period and entering a transformation one. The Iwi became more sedentary and their once pacific nature became more warlike as competition for resources becomes more central. New traditions had evolved by this time that justifies separating them from their islander cousins.

A new Polynesian technology group has been created. This technology group is between that of the Mesoamericans and the North Americans in penalty, but starts at tech 2.

Most Estates have been renamed to their proper versions to increase the flavor.

And some extra surprises here and there.

For now this is all. We still have lots of things to show, so just be patient and enjoy the time in between, everything will come!
 
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Which is a fair concern. But Scotland and England dont start as historical friends for example.

Castille has Historical rival with granada, so they will always be the first target.

Portugal needs a proper defensive idea for tradition instead of trade efficiency.

Morocco will be a threat, allied with Granada, and without Portugal with Ceuta blocking the way, Castille will not declare war so eagerly.

I have tested it several times on my mod.
Yeah, I agree with you that they shouldn’t be historical friends, but on the other hand I wouldn’t like AI Portugal to be eaten by Castile in most saves. Does Portugal in your tests survive usually?
 
It's funny how "primitive" tags in the middle of the Ocean are often getting more love and flavour than some European countries ;/
We europeans are so oppressed, never any love for europeans, just ignore all the DLCs ever. (This part is a joke btw)
Seriously, Europe is overrated I want more America (both natives and colonial) and Africa. Europe-based expansions get boring after some time.
 
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We europeans are so oppressed, never any love for europeans, just ignore all the DLCs ever.
Seriously, Europe is overrated I want more America (both natives and colonial) and Africa. Europe-vased expansions get boring after some time.
I’d like South America to get some love as well. At the very minimum there should be some impassable wasteland provinces in the Andes!
 
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Yeah, I agree with you that they shouldn’t be historical friends, but on the other hand I wouldn’t like AI Portugal to be eaten by Castile in most saves. Does Portugal in your tests survive usually?
They do have the disaster for Spain that spawns 100k stacks of rebels in Portugal to break up the Iberian Union still if I recall.
 
Yeah, I agree with you that they shouldn’t be historical friends, but on the other hand I wouldn’t like AI Portugal to be eaten by Castile in most saves. Does Portugal in your tests survive usually?
If they end up being conquered, Well. That's life, no tag should be untouchable. But playing Portugal "safe" ( without the looming existencial threat of Spain at all times) simply doesn't capture the essence of a Portuguese playthrough. Where a debacle overseas means danger in the homefront.
It's like playing Scotland but allied with England.
 
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I think one solution when it comes to the ai colonizing to fast (look at the African coast) would be to have colonization be more like in Victoria 2. Unable to colonize if the liferating is to low and such.
 
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I think one solution when it comes to the ai colonizing to fast (look at the African coast) would be to have colonization be more like in Victoria 2. Unable to colonize if the liferating is to low and such.
I am confident the mechanics of colonization will get reworked in a near future. :)
It's one of the mechanics most complained about by the community right now, it synergises relatively well with the new mechanics concerning NA tribes added in this patch and it goes hand in hand with a South American rework, which is the most overlooked region in the world (after SEA and Oceania get updated in the next patch).
 
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Yeah, I agree with you that they shouldn’t be historical friends, but on the other hand I wouldn’t like AI Portugal to be eaten by Castile in most saves. Does Portugal in your tests survive usually?
It's a bit more random.
One time Portugal can try to go for Granada, Aragon for Castille, Morocco for Ceuta.
Especially if England is busy with France Morocco is more keen to attack Portugal.
Castille has more trouble with Granada.
Once Portugal allied to Castille after morocco got Ceuta for example.
Last time I checked Castille attacked Morocco and lost, Portugal was guaranteeing Granada. They will prey on each other weakness basically.
I wish I could focus Portugal on Africa and india because they go too eagerly for Brasil.

I'm on board that South America and Africa need some love too.
Colonization and trade posts need a rework aswell, I agree.
 
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I am confident the mechanics of colonization will get reworked in a near future. :)
It's one of the mechanics most complained about by the community right now, it synergises relatively well with the new mechanics concerning NA tribes added in this patch and it goes hand in hand with a South American rework, which is the most overlooked region of the world (after the SEA and Oceania get updated in the next patch).

A colonization rework in a future dlc would synergize greatly with a South America rework and a subsaharan Africa update, there is plenty of good and well researched suggestions about both in suggestions sub-forum.
 
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After a few weeks without Dev Diaries, I am happy to present you a new one. I hope you all had a great time during them!

When I joined Paradox in October, Polynesia was not included in this Expansion. Considering it was the last part of the Earth without representation, I thought it would be nice to have some work done on it, so I proposed some ideas that I am happy to share with you all.

But, before I start, I would like to thank @Mechaffinity for his help and work that has greatly inspired me for this project.

THE MAP
The map has been slightly changed, since the basic needed setup was already there. However, in order to go a bit deeper, a few provinces have been added here and there. Do note that the flags are still a placeholder and not the final result.

Starting with Fiji, the archipelago has been divided in three provinces: one for each big island (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) and a third one for the Lau archipelago that had a great influence from Tonga. Each province has a country inhabiting it, which is an abstraction of the many clans that populated each island. Should you unite them all under your banner, you will be able to form Viti.

View attachment 669433
[Fiji Archipelago and TAGs]​

In New Zealand a new province has been added in North Island which has the most populated one by the Maori people. The number of countries, though, goes up to 7. Six of them (Mataatua, Tainui, Takitimu, Taranaki, Te Arawa and Te Tai Tokerau) are in the Northern Island and Waitaha is in the Southern One. As in the case of Fiji, a Maori country that manages to unite the area is able to form Aotearoa.

View attachment 669435
[New Zealand Archipelago and TAGs]​

Finally, the greatest transformation has been done in the Hawaiian Archipelago, that has gone from one province to four. Each province has their own country attached (Hawai’i, Kaua’i, Maui and O’ahu). As in the other cases, there is a formable for the unifiers of the islands.

View attachment 669437
[Hawaii Archipelago and TAGs]​

A Polynesian rework could not let the two most important countries out: Samoa and Tonga.

View attachment 669439
[Samoan and Tongan Archipelagos and TAGs]​

THE MISSIONS
As in the case of the Americas, the mission tree consists of a general common mission tree for every country and some specific missions for each country or group of them.

View attachment 669440
[Tonga Mission Tree]
(Notice that all icons are still placeholders)​

Tonga is probably the most important TAG during this period. Despite the fact that the Tongan Empire is no more, a skillful player could rebuild it, bringing not only the neighboring islands under the control of Tongatapu, but go even further.

Some highlights of this tree include:
  • Bringing both Fiji and Samoa under your control again.
  • Recovering the Tongan Empire.
  • Expand even further.

View attachment 669443
[Samoan Mission Tree]
(Notice that all icons are still placeholders).​

If Tonga was the political power during the period, Samoa was the cultural one. Most of the Pacific was colonized from there and from there were most of the traditions that ruled the lives of the Polynesians.

Some highlights of this tree include:
  • Recover the place as the cultural center.
  • Challenge Tonga.
  • Replace Tonga as the main power in the Pacific.

In order to not spoil the surprise, I will let you discover what the missions for the Maori the Fijian and the Hawaiian countries consist of.

THE NATIONAL IDEAS
Adding new TAGs would not be the same if they were not accompanied by their National Ideas.

Starting with the Fijians TAGs, their warring nature brought them a reputation of ruthless combatants, feared by everyone. But Fijians were also deeply religious people and famous shipbuilding artisans. All these things are represented in their National Ideas, making them a rather expansionist set.

Code:
fijian_ideas = {
    start = {
        light_ship_power = 0.1
        naval_attrition = -0.1
    }
  
    bonus = {
        ae_impact = -0.2
    }
  
    trigger = {
        OR = {
            tag = LAI
            tag = VIL
            #TODO: tag = VIT
            tag = VNL
        }
    }
    free = yes
  
    fijian_crossroad = {
        num_accepted_cultures = 2
    }
    fijian_degel = {
        range = 0.1
        global_ship_trade_power = 0.1
    }
    fijian_conjoined = {
        global_missionary_strength = 0.02
    }
    fijian_waqa = {
        prestige_from_naval = 0.4
    }
    fijian_cannibal = {
        army_tradition_from_battle = 0.25
        prestige_from_land = 0.4
    }
    fijian_kai = {
        land_attrition = -0.25
    }
    fijian_confederacy = {
        global_tax_modifier = 0.05
        production_efficiency = 0.05
    }
}
[Fijian National Ideas]​

As in the case of the Fijians, the Maori are famed for their bravery and constant warfare. Their set of ideas is focused on land combat, without disregarding ways to keep the land around a strong leader.

Code:
maori_ideas = {
    start = {
        global_regiment_recruit_speed = -0.10
        harsh_treatment_cost = -0.20
    }
  
    bonus = {
        prestige = 1
    }
  
    trigger = {
        primary_culture = maori
    }
    free = yes
  
    sons_of_kupe = {
        global_sailors_modifier = 0.10
        range = 0.10
    }
    kaikiakitanga = {
        tolerance_own = 1
    }
    kaumatua = {
        stability_cost_modifier = -0.20
    }
    kapa_haka = {
        land_morale = 0.10
    }
    pa_defence = {
        fort_maintenance_modifier = -0.10
    }
    te_moko = {
        leader_land_shock = 1
    }
    maori_king = {
        core_creation = -0.10
        legitimacy = 1
    }
}
[Maori National Ideas]​

As with the missions, we’d better not spoil the surprise by showing everything, am I right? I have a challenge for those that love them: try a world conquest with a Polynesian TAG! There are a couple of things in this area that could help you in that adventure. ;)

THE EVENTS
Events are one of the parts I like the most. While not as much time as I would have liked has been available, I have added more than 40 events to the area, including general events, specific Country events and even a few Easter eggs that I hope you can find and enjoy!

View attachment 669448
Practice is what makes you a good warrior, after all.
(Notice that all pictures are still placeholders).

View attachment 669449
This event can be very nasty if you are in a very bad shape.
(Notice that all pictures are still placeholders).

View attachment 669450
As Samoa, you will be given the choice to reform your society a bit or go on with the traditions with every ruler.
(Notice that all pictures are still placeholders).​

THE EXTRAS
There are a few things that have been added in order to create a bigger sense of immersion.

Maori culture has been created, separated from the main Polynesian branch. By the start of the game, the Maori were abandoning the Archaic Maori Period and entering a transformation one. The Iwi became more sedentary and their once pacific nature became more warlike as competition for resources becomes more central. New traditions had evolved by this time that justifies separating them from their islander cousins.

A new Polynesian technology group has been created. This technology group is between that of the Mesoamericans and the North Americans in penalty, but starts at tech 2.

Most Estates have been renamed to their proper versions to increase the flavor.

And some extra surprises here and there.

For now this is all. We still have lots of things to show, so just be patient and enjoy the time in between, everything will come!
Hello there. Since 1.31 is a thing i would like to propose a new achievement I created a Year ago:
 
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I am confident the mechanics of colonization will get reworked in a near future. :)
It's one of the mechanics most complained about by the community right now, it synergises relatively well with the new mechanics concerning NA tribes added in this patch and it goes hand in hand with a South American rework, which is the most overlooked region in the world (after SEA and Oceania get updated in the next patch).
I feel like with all the new Colonial Nations added in the last few patches that another look at how colonization works has been simmering for a long time.
 
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Will colonies culture convert again? If not, can we culture convert for them similar to how we can religiously convert for them?
 
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I’d like South America to get some love as well. At the very minimum there should be some impassable wasteland provinces in the Andes!

I'm not sure wastelands would be a good idea for the Andes. They are already quite crammed so having to carve out space from the Province's to create wastelands would make the existing provinces smaller while also making it harder to maneuver.
 
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I'm not sure wastelands would be a good idea for the Andes. They are already quite crammed so having to carve out space from the Province's to create wastelands would make the existing provinces smaller while also making it harder to maneuver.
To be honest I don’t know about how impassable the Andes were in Peru or Colombia IRL, but some wastelands there would add some tactical depth for sure. An Andes wasteland between Chile and Argentina is definitely needed though. As I argued in a thread in the Suggestions forum movement of people and goods between La Plata and Chile in colonial times was very difficult. The first time an army managed to cross the Andes between the two countries was in 1810 during the independence wars against Spain, and it was considered a huge feat back then.
 
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Some highlights of this tree include:
In order to not spoil the surprise
we’d better not spoil the surprise by showing everything, am I right?
No, no, no!
Like i said last dev diary, stop treating dev diaries as marketing! We are here to give you feedback on your design choices. We can't do that if we can't see the stuff.

On the other hand, this was quite a meaty dev diary compared to the last few diaries teasers, so thanks for improving there
 
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