Dreams of Frisian Freedom

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

At home though, the Clerical Estate saw its influence decline.

Could be the spread of revolutionary ideals amongst the populace of Friesland...

 

[diskoerekto]

At that time, Friesland was once again ranked fifth among the world’s great powers, as their other competitors had all embraced industrialisation by then. Turkey remained the clear top hegemon, with Russia a strong second. Next came a group of four relatively close powers, including Friesland, with Aragon a significant way back leading the ‘bottom quartile’ of the ‘G8’.

3rd place seems very doable

 

[jak7139]

What would manually embracing the Revolution do (in practical terms)? Pros and cons for a country like Friesland at this point in the run?

Embracing the Revolution would change your government (Revolutionary republic instead of normal republic). You can even enact a dictatorship (Napoleon) later if you want. Being Revolutionary does give some powerful military bonuses. But you'll be isolated diplomatically from most other countries.

Indeed. Where is the mechanic for doing that - on the States page, or somewhere else?

On the vassals and subjects screen. You click on your colonial subject's line to get a list of buttons and toggles. One of the buttons can have them start a war.

A massive Deccani army was making its slow progress towards the Malayan peninsula in the first half of 1765. [Leonardo AI, Phoenix 1.0]

I really liked the style of this image. Very cool!

 

[Hootieleece]

Frisia is sitting on a Hoard of Gold that would make Smaug jealous......are you planning on using any of it to build canals?

 

[Bullfilter]

Basically, it replaces your government with the powerful Revolutionary Republic government form. In addition to unique reforms, this gives you the powerful Spread The Revolution CB, removes the penalties from Revolutionary provinces by removing Absolutism, lets you claim the status of Revolutionary Target for powerful military bonuses if you have higher Revolutionary Zeal than any other Great Power, and gives you Revolutionary Zeal instead of Absolutism, which is similar but also gives you access to Revolutionary Guard troops.

The cons are that you can't ally non-Republics or non-Revolutionaries without being a Revolutionary Empire (consider- The Pope, who can uniquely never become Revolutionary!), you lose access to the Estates if you don't reestablish them as a Revolutionary Empire (though you can do so with no drawbacks since you don't use Absolutism any more), and that you need to be at war to avoid your Revolutionary Zeal draining if you have a bordering non-Revolutionary (though client states can help solve that).

So there's a lot of bonuses, but for a Catholic Republic, losing access to allying the Pope without becoming a Revolutionary Empire is a big blow. I suspect that Friesland would rather remain Counter-Revolutionary, but if the Pope ever turns his back on you, remember than raising the Tricolour is always an option!

Embracing the Revolution would change your government (Revolutionary republic instead of normal republic). You can even enact a dictatorship (Napoleon) later if you want. Being Revolutionary does give some powerful military bonuses. But you'll be isolated diplomatically from most other countries.

Very useful info, thanks to you both. My gut feel is that for now, both for game and RP purposes we'll continue as we are. Especially as the Frisian citizenry actually seem to enjoy being revolutionary in heart but not head. So would becoming revolutionary make relations with the Turks cosy, even to the extent of being able to seek an alliance one day? Or not - either because rev govts aren't that chummy or they're just so big they'd ignore us?

Could be the spread of revolutionary ideals amongst the populace of Friesland...

Maybe. Don't know enough to offer an opinion though.

3rd place seems very doable

Well try for it. Taking down France some time within the next 50 years would help! Still waiting for their American colonies to rebel and separate, like the Portuguese empire did. And for some opportunity to arise where I can take them on with many of my allies and fewer of theirs. Mercenary hordes might be drafted to take them down a bit with some hit and run, and let them lose heaps of men through attrition on our many frontier forts, maybe.

On the vassals and subjects screen. You click on your colonial subject's line to get a list of buttons and toggles. One of the buttons can have them start a war.

Right, I'll look for it when I resume play (after this coming chapter) and see if I can manufacture something in Australia and do what I can to assist them (may ask for some advice on what the best things are for doing that, preparing them, etc. Maybe building some mil infra for them in the meantime? Give them manpower, money?

I really liked the style of this image. Very cool!

Thanks! Was going for the period engraving style - happy how it came out after a bit of fiddling around with the prompts.

Frisia is sitting on a Hoard of Gold that would make Smaug jealous......are you planning on using any of it to build canals?

Haha, nice reference. Is the canals reference literary or game related?

To All: thanks as always for the support. Next chapter should be up pretty soon, bringing us back up to date with gameplay.

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 66: Never Try, Never Know (1768-71)

‘Never Try, Never Know’ - an emblematic Sumatran motto. Friesland adopted this attitude when they declared war against Aceh in 1768. [Leonardo AI, Phoenix 1.0]

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The Mexican War of Independence against Portugal

After over eight years, the Mexican War of Independence that had rapidly expanded to South America, then involved Aragon and Britain and finally Turkey, came to a disastrous end for the colonial power in March 1769.

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The great majority of Portugal’s colonial empire was granted independence. In addition, they lost three of their home provinces including the capital itself and Porto, plus islands in the Atlantic and Pacific. Britain also picked up a province in South America. It was a massive humiliation for the once-great power, reduced now to a second-tier kingdom.

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Portuguese Australia was the only significant (though the smallest in strength) self-governing colony they retained, which remained on par in power to Frisian Australia.

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From April to May 1769, the six former colonies in the Americas all renamed themselves as they established their independent governments and national identities. We will take a closer look at these new countries and their diplomatic alignments at another time. Because by then, Friesland was involved in a war of its own on the other side of the world.

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Other Foreign Wars and Diplomacy

In Africa, another small independent country was swallowed up by a large neighbour in the Castilian conquest of Zulu from March 1769 to January 1771. The only surprise was it took that long for Castile to annex them.

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Dai Viet sought to ‘cleanse heresy’ from Jarai in June 1769, but that war had saw little apparent progress over the next couple of years.

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Turkey decided to see if it could spread the revolution to Yemen in July 1769 but in doing so drew Somalia – quite a strong regional power – into the conflict. Despite Turkey’s great superiority in numbers, this conflict would also extend into 1771.

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Smarting from its terrible defeat to Mexico and its allies, Portugal decided to pick on a former large power that had fallen on even tougher times. Their holy war to annex the last couple of Moroccan provinces in West Africa took slightly less than a year to complete from July 1769. Portuguese Northern Africa was now their largest directly ruled Portuguese overseas territory.

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Ayutthaya had taken advantage of Shu weakness following successive losses to Russia in the mid-18th century to launch a war in July 1763 to claim the Mandate of Heaven from the Shu Empire, now in eclipse after having briefly united China after claiming the title earlier from the now defunct Shun Empire, in August 1769.

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After six years Ramaracha VII Chet Ton succeeded in this bid, expanding their enclave in south-east China and forcing the already weakened Shu to release four small independent states into the bargain. The Shu had never been able to consolidate and safeguard their gains in time to become an enduring regional power.

In southern Africa, the remnant of independent Kongo would be claimed by its neighbour Luba after a brief war in 1769-70. Muslim Luba would have been at a disadvantage to Christian Kongo if not for their alliance with Kilwa and Sofala. Kongo was fully annexed in March 1770.

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Just a few months after their release from their Shu overlords, the small and briefly independent Jin state – which had barely begun to raise their own army – was invaded by the Russian behemoth. Ayutthaya had done nothing to protect it. The fact it took even 11 months for them to be annexed must have been solely due to the siege work required.

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There was good news for Friesland in February 1770 when France – the largest power in the Coalition – pulled out of the agreement. Should it now come to blows between Friesland and whatever allies might support them against this group, the odds would now be far more favourable for the Federal Republic.

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Another of the ex-Shu micro-states, Hsenwi (neighbouring Bengal) was attacked by the latter on 18 March 1770. Like Jin, their army only consisted of a single regiment while Bengal (though much reduced by Deccan encroachment in recent years) mustered 20,000 men. The war would extend into 1771, but only just.

Next came another post-Shu aftershock, with the small state of Miao attacking their neighbour Yi in April 1770. Miao may only field five regiments, but as yet Yi fielded none at all. This conflict too extended into early 1771 without resolution.

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By January 1771, the Turkish-Yemen war continued, with Turkey on top and likely to succeed in their aims.

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The Revolution was now spreading quite extensively in northern Africa, while nine more provinces in Friesland embraced it from July 1769 to May 1770. Scandinavia also had a considerable Revolutionary spread, as did Franconia and Pomerania. If revolutionaries seized power there, would the long-standing alliance with Friesland be maintained? The Frisian President was unsure.

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At that time, Asia remained the target of most of the conflicts still in progress, which included the slow-burning war Japan had launched against Shu in 1767 – but seemed to be losing despite the distractions and defeats Shu had suffered since their grand plan to reunite China had come asunder under Russian pressure.

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The Frisian-Atjehan Imperialist War

The deliberate build-up to hostilities over recent months culminated in a Frisian declaration of war on 28 September 1768. Aceh’s allies Malacca and Pahang, now fully preoccupied with their war against the mighty Deccan Empire, did not join in. Only the minor Pattani state in Malaya, who had already been defeated by the Deccani, heeded their ally’s call.

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Despite this, Aceh had been virtually untouched by Deccan military action, which had focused on its allies. They retained a sizeable army and navy while of course only a fraction of Friesland’s Leger was based in the FEI, though it had been built up recently. Friesland also called in some favours with Brunei to gain their support. After all this time, the local alliance would be put to good use.

On the day war was declared, two Pattani frigates were ambushed by the 43 frigates of the Frisian Malaccan trade protection Vloot van Surabaya in the Palawan Passage. One was captured and the other sunk after a three-day action. The Independent Army mercenaries also began marching north into Aceh from Pagarruyung.

As they marched up the west Sumatran coast, on 23 October the FEI battle fleet Vloot van Demak was sent north to begin a blockade of Aceh’s ports in the north – and to ‘spot’ for the army as it advanced. On 31 October, the regulars of the 2nd Army marched from Padang following the mercenaries but timed not to overlap and thus worsen attrition on the march.

By mid-November the blockade was in place and Atjehan army deployments identified, the Independent Army had arrived in Barus to commence a siege and the battle fleet was used to fire a barrage on the fortress. 2nd Army was still not out of Padang.

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Batak fell to the 2nd Army on 2 January, then they had moved back south to occupy Pariaman after the Independent Army had been reinforced to roughly match the Atjehan army facing them. On 3 February, the main Bruneian army had landed in southern Sumatra and began marching up the east coast through neutral Malacca and Pahang.

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From the end of March to late May 1769, the next phase of the Aceh campaign developed. The fleet had picked up as many of the 2nd Army regiments as it could (33) and headed around to outflank the Atjehan defences by landing in the north-east. However, this had caused the main enemy army to shadow them, with landings aborted on 8 and 17 April before the army was disembarked on 15 May further south, before heading back up the coast towards Deli.

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Pariaman had been occupied on 1 May by a smaller detachment of troops left behind when 2nd Army sailed. These men then moved up to Batak to be ready to reinforce the Independent Army should they be attacked in Barus. 2nd Army arrived in Langkat on 27 May.

By late June the Bruneians had arrived in the north Sumatra, moving through the recently occupied Langkat to the next province of Peureulak. Friesland was happy for mercenaries and allies to take up the forward positions, either of which could be reinforced if Aceh attacked. The battle fleet had returned to the west coast to resume that blockade and spot for the troops in Barus.

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The other regular Frisian army that had been stationed in southern Sumatra, Leger van Bengukulu, had made the long march up the east coast during the year and arrived in Deli in early September, joining the queue waiting for a break in Aceh’s fortress line. The siege of Peureulak was dragging on with little progress and the battle fleet, which had redeployed, were unable to assist their ally with a barrage.

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This state of affairs persisted for the next year, with no ground attacks by Aceh as the two sieges gradually made headway. Pahang peaced out to the Deccani for reparations on 26 July 1770, who remained at war with Malacca and Aceh. The same day the 2nd Army re-embarked to be ferried back to the west coast, where the siege of Barus was advancing more quickly.

Barus finally fell on 15 August after a mammoth siege of 641 days. And the Independent Army mercenaries vented their frustration by indulging in a vicious sack of the city. In response, Friesland simply rounded up some scapegoats and had them executed, rather than sacrificing ducats by going too hard or losing army professionalism and prestige plus complete devastation of a city they intended to bring into the Republic.

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The Independent Army was soon sent away from the scene of their crime, teaming up with the recently arrived 2nd Army to advance north with enough numbers to take on the entire Atjehan field army in a decisive battle. The made it to Gayo on 30 August and kept going up to Kelantan, where the enemy awaited.

The Frisian rate of march varied slightly between the two armies, with the troops of 2nd Army arriving in Kutaraja on 8 September to be outnumbered for two days until the Independent Army reinforced on the 10th. In the final tally, after both sides had sent in all available reinforcements, 87,000 Frisian soldiers (regulars and mercenaries) confronted 61,000 Atjehans.

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Despite some inspired leadership from both the Atjehan generals who commanded at different times, Wiege Kamstra’s superior skills and numbers offset any disadvantage sufficiently to win a complete victory in just ten days. The entire Atjehan field army was killed or captured, for the loss of around 15,000 attackers. After this, it was a matter of mopping up. The navy bombarded the fort a Kutaraja on 22 September while the 2nd Army headed out to occupy the rest of Aceh’s lands.

The Atjehan fleet had not been in port when Kutaraja fell, having slipped away earlier. It reappeared on 12 October off the Coast of Sumatra, where the trade protection Vloot van Surabaya ran into them while on patrol. In a 12-day engagement, the presence of Atjehan heavy ships and galleys was enough to see the Frisian fleet of entirely light ships defeated, though it actually contained more warships than the enemy had.

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After eight Frisian and two Atjehan frigates were sunk, V.v. Surabaya was able to escape to port. But vengeance followed soon after as the battle fleet V.v. Demak had been following up. They missed being able to help their comrades by just two days, Kai Barents falling on the unfortunate Atjehans just two days after the first battle had ended. The result was not pretty with four Atjehan vessels captured and 23 sunk. A reduced V.v. Surabaja would resume trade protection duties on 9 November while the rest of ships repaired.

Malacca begged peace from the Deccani on 13 October, lucky enough to suffer only pillaging and reparation payments (though over 1,000 ducats) rather than losing any territory. The Deccani now only remained at war with Aceh itself – which it is believed they had only ever attacked in the Andaman Islands.

On 2 November Gayo fell to Friesland and the fort of Peureulak to Brunei a month later. Then the war came close to a close when the Atjehan capital of Kutaraja was taken by Friesland on 9 December.

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It took until the new year of 1771 for Aceh to finally agree peace with the Deccan Empire – predictably losing the Andamans and some money but nothing else. Their allies had been devastated militarily in the process, however.

On 20 January 1771 a diplomat was withdrawn from counter-espionage against Franconia to transmit Friesland’s surrender demands to Aceh. They would be harsh. Peureulak would have been ceded to Brunei for their assistance, however they indicated they did not want it. The temporary overextension and then diplomatic impact on local powers of the land grab would be huge but only very minor in Europe. The Frisians would therefore demand everything they could!

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The terms were accepted on 23 January heralding a complete victory for the Federal Republic and the largest single expansion of the FEI in decades, with seven provinces seized and Aceh eviscerated as a local power. Frisian casualties had been moderate, many absorbed by the mercenaries (who were immediately discharged) and the rest no great challenge for the healthy manpower reserve. The war had lasted less than two-and-a-half years.

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All seven new restive provinces were started on the road to being cored straight away as Frisian administrators poured in.

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The Frisian presence in Sumatra (‘Frisian Malaya’) was now significant and the Burghers of Leeuwarden would no doubt aim to make the whole island part of the greater FEI as soon as could be managed.

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Domestic and Espionage Matters

Most diplomatic work in the period involved either espionage or counter-espionage, especially in France (both) and Franconia. On 28 November another French spy ring was exposed, reducing their network to just 25 (a quarter of its maximum size a few years back).

In February 1769, with the war in Aceh inflating combined army, navy and fort expenses to around 530 ducats per month, the monthly surplus was still running at 188 ducats: still very sustainable (trade alone was providing 539 ducats per month).

The first espionage idea was unlocked in August, boosting Frisian claim fabrication capabilities.

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A brief uprising in Rano in Frisian Niger lasted for just four days until 7 December, when the rebels rose with the 33 regiments of L.v. Idah already waiting for them in the province.

On 22 December, a Frisian agent was exposed in France, reducing the network to 50. Three days later a Franconian agent was exposed in Friesland (their network to 50). The spy effort in France was suspended soon after with it being pointless to bother, the diplomat sent instead to Aceh in January 1770 to assist with spying behind the lines.

In March 1770, the monthly budget surplus had reduced somewhat to 174 ducats due (on balance) to increased army maintenance costs.

In June 1770, a Sunni Muslim ‘rising star’, was brought into in the diplomatic service despite the objections of some critics. The wisdom of this hire was soon confirmed. Just a few months later the old Foreign Minister died and Popetet Japisk was selected for the role: he was a skilled spymaster and very grateful, seeking only half the ‘going rate’ in sign-on fee and salary of his equally skilled rival for the post.

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The clergy, long the lesser of the two estates in Friesland, got a boost in influence in September 1770 with an educational initiative that would also promote innovation.

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For reasons not explained at the time, trade income had taken dive by December 1770 (down to 442 ducats per month) as war costs remained high and corruption-fighting absorbed 73 ducats. This left the monthly surplus at just 27 ducats – the lowest for many years and another reason an end to the war was soon sought.

By January 1771, the espionage crackdown in France was over and the spy mission there renewed, where the strength had sunk to 37. Later that month, around 2,100 ducats were spent on four new cathedrals, a stock exchange and a conscription centre in various locations mainly around the colonies of the Republic. This still left around 35,000 ducats in the treasury vaults.

After the peace with Aceh was concluded and army maintenance reduced, the surplus only recovered to 134 ducats. Corruption was still taking a sizeable hit from the bottom line but would hopefully reduce fairly quickly. And fort maintenance would soon be revisited, with more mothballing likely. And there would also be a review to see if it could be discovered what was affecting trade income [though it could just be the expiry of some modifier that I didn’t keep track of].

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The State still controlled around two thirds of the Republic’s land holdings. The Burghers remained the most influential of the two estates, though Clerical influence had recently made a bit of a comeback. Both seemed loyal enough.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

The great majority of Portugal’s colonial empire was granted independence. In addition, they lost three of their home provinces included the capital itself and Porto, plus islands in the Atlantic and Pacific. Britain also picked up a province in South America. It was a massive humiliation for the once-great power, reduced now to a second-tier kingdom.

Mexico now controls Lisbon and Porto, sunset invasion (I know they're culturally and ethnically European but still) incoming?!

 

[diskoerekto]

declared

the mythical Sumatran Jaguar with 1 hind leg and 2 tails

The terms were accepted on 23 January heralding a complete victory for the Federal Republic and the largest single expansion of the FEI in decades, with seven provinces seized and Aceh eviscerated as a local power. Frisian casualties had been moderate, many absorbed by the mercenaries (who were immediately discharged) and the rest no great challenge for the healthy manpower reserve. The war had lasted less than two-and-a-half years.

great result after a clean war!

 

[jak7139]

Right, I'll look for it when I resume play (after this coming chapter) and see if I can manufacture something in Australia and do what I can to assist them (may ask for some advice on what the best things are for doing that, preparing them, etc. Maybe building some mil infra for them in the meantime? Give them manpower, money?

I tend to build forcelimit and cheaper income buildings (churches and workshops, not manufactories) in them. If you think they're having trouble with manpower, barracks could also help.

You can't give manpower to them, but you can send subsidies (in the same area of the diplomacy screen as gifting, embargoing, etc.

Portuguese Australia was the only significant (though the smallest in strength) self-governing colony they retained, which remained on par in power to Frisian Australia.

They are at least low on manpower and presumably have some debt. If you invest enough in your Frisian colony with your excess treasury, you should outgrow Portugal.

This same tactic could also be tried with New Friesland, but the French colony is much stronger. Still, it would help in whatever future war with France you're planning.

There was good news for Friesland in February 1770 when France – the largest power in the Coalition – pulled out of the agreement. Should it now come to blows between Friesland and whatever allies might support them against this group, the odds would now be far more favourable for the Federal Republic.

Great! If your armies weren't soon distracted in Asia I might suggest preempting the coalition. Franconia needs to be taught a lesson!

From the end of March to late May 1769, the next phase of the Aceh campaign developed. The fleet had picked up as many of the 2nd Army regiments as it could (33) and headed around to outflank the Atjehan defences by landing in the north-east. However, this had caused the main enemy army to shadow them, with landings aborted on 8 and 17 April before the army was disembarked on 15 May further south, before heading back up the coast towards Deli.

A good idea, unfortunately the front was too compact. The AI easily saw what you were trying to do.

joining the queue waiting for a break in Aceh’s fortress line. The siege of Peureulak was dragging on with little progress and the battle fleet, which had redeployed, were unable to assist their ally with a barrage.

But you could send cannons from your two armies "in the queue" to help with the siege.

The Atjehan fleet had not been in port when Kutaraja fell, having slipped away earlier. It reappeared on 12 October off the Coast of Sumatra, where the trade protection Vloot van Surabaya ran into them while on patrol. In a 12-day engagement, the presence of Atjehan heavy ships and galleys was enough to see the Frisian fleet of entirely light ships defeated, though it actually contained more warships than the enemy had.

You can tell your fleets to stay in port during war with a toggle. And trade fleets still protect trade income while in port with it activated (just one of those weird quirks).

I also really wouldn't call light ships "warships." They can fight, but up against heavies and galleys as they were here with no support of their own, they don't do well.

And there would also be a review to see if it could be discovered what was affecting trade income [though it could just be the expiry of some modifier that I didn’t keep track of].

Since this is right after the war, your overextension is still decreasing trade income. It'll sort itself out once the cores are complete.

 

[Rensslaer]

That's a good chunk of Sumatra you took! As I recall from EU3 Sumatra and Java are some very good real estate to have hold of.

Rensslaer

 

[Bullfilter]

Thanks for your patience everyone as I get through the usual (mainly good) distractions of RL and managing the other two AARs. Time for a bit more Frisian Freedom!

Mexico now controls Lisbon and Porto, sunset invasion (I know they're culturally and ethnically European but still) incoming?!

Yes, I did find it somewhat amusing that Mexico ended up 'reverse colonising' Portugal and taking the old imperial capital, no less! New Friesland had better not get any such ideas.

the mythical Sumatran Jaguar with 1 hind leg and 2 tails

Yes, it was a typical AI mistake, wasn't it? But I liked the illustration too much to not use it. Nice to think of it as a mythical beast: "A Tale of Two Tails".

great result after a clean war!

Yes, though it will rile up the locals for a long time.

I tend to build forcelimit and cheaper income buildings (churches and workshops, not manufactories) in them. If you think they're having trouble with manpower, barracks could also help.

You can't give manpower to them, but you can send subsidies (in the same area of the diplomacy screen as gifting, embargoing, etc.

Good advice. More on colonial wars in the next chapter - and my mystification on trying to get it to work.

A note to all: I played a little past the end of this next chapter, but cut the AAR where I did for the sake of space.

They are at least low on manpower and presumably have some debt. If you invest enough in your Frisian colony with your excess treasury, you should outgrow Portugal.

This same tactic could also be tried with New Friesland, but the French colony is much stronger. Still, it would help in whatever future war with France you're planning.

Ditto: I'll have some questions next time.

Great! If your armies weren't soon distracted in Asia I might suggest preempting the coalition. Franconia needs to be taught a lesson!

It's getting there. I'm still trying to find a way of getting at one or more of these coalition partners without losing too much skin. Unless it comes to an existential war, I consider the armies in Niger and the FEI to be basically separate and (except in extremis) unavailable for any European campaign for planning purposes. So its not my total strength but the Europe-based armies I consider when looking at potential alliance match-ups.

A good idea, unfortunately the front was too compact. The AI easily saw what you were trying to do.

I though the AI did that quite well and didn't mind it disrupting my plans. It needs all the help it can give itself.

But you could send cannons from your two armies "in the queue" to help with the siege.

Yes, I did that a few times but I think this time (for some reasons, such as total numbers needed and/or attrition, whatevs) I decided against it.

You can tell your fleets to stay in port during war with a toggle. And trade fleets still protect trade income while in port with it activated (just one of those weird quirks).

I also really wouldn't call light ships "warships." They can fight, but up against heavies and galleys as they were here with no support of their own, they don't do well.

I knew I could get them to stay in port, but not about that trade protection loophole. I'd assumed the order would cancel their mission!

Since this is right after the war, your overextension is still decreasing trade income. It'll sort itself out once the cores are complete.

Aha, right.

That's a good chunk of Sumatra you took! As I recall from EU3 Sumatra and Java are some very good real estate to have hold of.

Rensslaer

Yes, I'm trying to get as close to the eventual OTL Dutch possession of most of Indonesia as I can get.

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 67: Watch and Wait (1771-74)

‘The President Considers’, a portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Friesland, March 1772. [Bing AI, DALL-E3]

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Somalian Wars

For some years Somalia had been a growing regional power in East Africa, even managing to come out on top of the Ottomans in their war back in 1740-45. In July 1769 they had been dragged into a war in defence of their ally Yemen against Revolutionary Turkey: that conflict was not going so well by early 1771 when the other regional contender Kilwa pounced on the distracted and weakened Somalis.

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Along the way, Somalia had at least managed to force isolated Turkish ally Mombasa out of that war in July 1771. But Somalia was forced into a humiliating peace in December 1772 and Yemen capitulated five days later, made to pledge their loyalty as a vassal to their new Turkish masters.

By October 1774 Kilwa had occupied large swathes of Somali territory and was firmly on top in the war for regional dominance.

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Asia

East Asia remained a hotbed of conflict between old and new countries throughout the early 1770s. Often the prey were small (either reduced or newly formed) states beset by opportunistic larger neighbours.

An example of this was Bengal’s attack on the newly released ex-Shu state of Hsenwi in March 1770. The minnow’s resistance did not even last a year as the declining Bengal absorbed a target it could indeed pick on.

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Similarly, another declining power, the once-significant Delhi, was able to peacefully vassalise Limbuwan in September 1771.

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The rising power of Dai Viet had another gain in January 1772 when it forced Champasak to become a vassal.

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More consolidation followed a couple of months later with the annexation of Muang Phuan by the growing Vietnamese state, who also had some powerful allies in their war against the small but stubborn country of Jarai, who had the new Chinese Emperor Ramarcha VIII of Ayutthaya on their side.

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It would take another year for Jarai to finally be subdued, with the precursor being the humbling of Ayutthaya in January 1773, who had to yield much of their core empire in a devastating peace that must surely have weakened Ramarcha’s recently acquired Mandate of Heaven.

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Jarai lost one of its two provinces to Dai Viet in March 1773, by which time only four other wars were in progress around the world. Two were old Asian conflicts, the ongoing Kilwan-Somalian War and a newer one that will be discussed later between Portugal and Songhai.

The great power of the Deccan Empire, for immediate reasons not clear to historians (other than it being the stronghold of Hinduism), changed its name to Hindustan on 22 April 1773. It remained the third most powerful nation in the world after Turkey and Russia.

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Less than six months later it was flexing its muscles again with an imperialist grab for Assam and its allies U and Bengal, with Dai Viet and their vassal Champasak as allies. It of course dwarfed its enemies as the Bengalis were again reminded that ‘there is always a bigger fish’.

​

Assam had managed (through Bengal) to occupy some territory in southern Champasak by October 1774, but U and Assam had both been occupied by then, as had most of Bengal. The war was nearing its inevitable end.

An old war did finish in November 1773 – that between Japan and Shu. Japan had misjudged its strength and failed in its bid to slice territory off the depleted Shu, who actually managed to take some land in Taiwan from Japan, forcing them to release a new microstate of Kikuchi and annul their alliance with Ayutthaya.

​

The ever-voracious Russians soon decided Kikuchi was a fresh opportunity for an imperialist expansion and was at war with Kikuchi (and through them Japan) by May of the following year. By October, the Russians were just beginning to edge ahead in the calculations.

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American Surprise

Britain had greatly aided the rebels in the independence war that had seen all of Portugal’s American colonies liberated in March 1769. By February 1773, Britain was supporting independence in French Canada and was allied with Cuba. Britain and France were by now implacable opponents for that and other reasons.

​

If another large war was to break out in the Americas, many pundits thought (and the Frisians certainly hoped) that in would be in the two disaffected French colonies. In the interim, the calculus for a potential Frisian-British alliance remained essentially unchanged: for Friesland, it would mean dropping both Scandinavia and Savoy as allies.

It was therefore a big surprise – with big implications – when on 19 June 1773 Britain announced it had declared war on Chile with Rio de la Plata as their ostensible war target. Meaning erstwhile British ally Cuba was now an enemy, along with former friends Mexico, with Castile involved as Britain’s ally. Colonial bust-ups in both North and South America were certain to follow.

​

The break-down of infantry numbers on either side gave a good indication of relative army strengths, while the British-Castilian alliance would have a significant advantage in total naval power.

Early developments, other than many sea battles and blockades, included British Colombia occupying Cuban Trinidad on 6 August and Castile taking Mexican Oporto (one of their ‘reverse colonies’ in Portugal) on 10 September. By early October, Mexico was making significant inroads into Castilian California, with British Colombian Mosquito occupied by late November [net warscore for GB -3], though it had been retaken by the following April.

Lisbon fell to the Castilians on Christmas Day 1773 but to balance that, both Mexico and Chile were occupying most of Castilian California by June 1774. As stock was taken of the situation on 6 October, British-Castilian gains (from battles, blockades and territorial gains in Mexican Portugal, and Northern Mexico and Cuba outweighed losses in Peru and Castilian California to see the British marginally ahead and what would doubtless be a protracted war.

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Diplomacy, Espionage and Revolution

After the end of the Atjehan War, Friesland had been hoping to spark a colonial war between Frisian Australia and its Portuguese counterpart. But it seemed not to be an option for Frisian Australia to do so. [Any help in explaining how this mechanic is meant to work and why Portuguese Australia does not appear as an option would be appreciated.]

​

A declaration of war would involves taking in both Kilwa (a threat to the South African colony) and in addition to Portugal itself. But worst of all, Aragon remained a Portuguese ally and there seemed little prospect of forcing them (or indeed Kilwa) to abandon that link, or to force Portugal to do so either. For now, this frustrated Friesland’s preferred next colonial expansion.

The trajectory of Frisian diplomacy from 1771-73 moved from an emphasis on spying and counter-espionage through a number of phases. Due to a legislative policy change (explained later in more detail) an additional diplomat was available from September 1771 as this area continued to be a key focus of Frisian attention during this period.

​

A rise in liberty desire in New Friesland took them over the threshold to 52% in December 1771. The President swiftly reacted by lowering tariffs again (-5% LD) and then trading favours for trust (+5% trust for -2% LD, down to 45%). Some change was forced by the breaking of spy rings in France and Franconia that made spying there temporarily impractical) to improving relations and currying favour with friends (such as Britain) and – sometimes – hostile powers, Castile notable among them.

The defensive coalition against Friesland evolved over this period. Not surprisingly, Malacca led a regional group of small powers in reaction to the massive recent land grab in Aceh, with another four countries joining between March and December 1771. This was offset a little by Lusatia and Trent pulling out of the European group in 1773-74.

​

Portugal declared war on Songhai (and thus their ally Air) in December 1771. Another look was taken by Friesland to see if the situation could be exploited – either in Africa or indeed in Australia. As a first step, both Frisian Nigerian armies were position near the Songhai-Air border, in case some opportunity for mischief arose.

​

But the same diplomatic problems weighed against intervening against Portugal, who quickly shipped a lot of troops into the battle area, fully occupying Songhai and making encroachments into Air by January 1773. This also mitigated against a Frisian intervention against the defenders. Air still had almost 100,000 men in the field and it would be their territory Friesland would have to attack to make any gains. Instead, they sat back and hoped the Africans could inflict some casualties on the colonial invaders.

Another idea was to try to engineer a ‘defensive’ war with Portugal by seeking to enforce a white peace in the hope that either Portugal would be thwarted or became upset enough to declare war on Friesland over this interference. But relations with Songhai were too poor to allow Friesland to act as ‘honest brokers’ in the matter.

​

Ironically, relations were far better with Portugal, who once again offered alliance in February 1774 and were again rebuffed: not only did the Federal Republic have designs on them, but it was felt they brought too much diplomatic baggage with them to risk it.

Renewed diplomatic engagement was also pursued, as seen above.

In September 1772, a potentially embarrassing incident with Castile – long the reluctant target of Frisian relationship-building – was turned to diplomatic advantage and prestige gain. To have done otherwise would also have antagonised Castile allies – notably Britain and Aragon (France would have simply been just as hostile as ever).

​

Another mildly favourable development came when Frisian ally Savoy became the seat of the Holy Roman Empire in June 1773, maintaining it after another succession election a year later. Though it was uncertain how much potential advantage (or hazard) this introduced into regional politics.

​

And another Frisian ally, Bavaria, later annexed the one-province Revolutionary Regensburg in March 1774.

Britain and New Friesland remained important targets of friendly diplomacy, while more Franconian interference prompted increased counter-espionage against the, in August 1774. The resumption of spying in France and Franconia was anticipated soon, now that the year of ‘cooling off’ for those two operations had expired.

​

The revolution spread steadily through the European part of the Federal Republic, with another four provinces taking it up in 1772-73. By 6 October 1774 it covered almost all of European Friesland, but only just over half of the entire Republic, much of which was constituted by non-autonomous colonies, especially in Niger and the FEI. Nearer home, the revolution remained widespread in Scandinavia, Franconia, Bavaria and Pomerania but had not yet led to further regime change in any major country.

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Domestic Issues

There would be moderate naval growth, mainly in trade-related frigate building, during 1771-74. Ten frigates were laid down in FEI ports in June 1771, to help replace the losses incurred in the recent war when the Malaccan trade fleet was ambushed.

Current policies were reviewed in September of that year. Most that had been in place and left to drift for some decades were changed in the areas of administration and diplomacy. Though the search for vassals (as opposed to subjects, which I assume are a different beast) went on with no candidates having yet been brought to this. The current military policy was left in place.

​

Another long-neglected area, cultural policy, was addressed soon after with Javanese culture promoted to accepted status. This allowed the temple of Borobudur in Kotagede to be upgraded: and with such a replete treasury, why not?

​

In this time, the lapsing of previous bonuses meant the land force limit remained a lot lower than the current force (390 regiments, 379 LFL) in October 1771, meaning 12.12 ducats extra was being paid in monthly maintenance. At this time, the Frisian Army had the best morale in the world (8.89), but ranked far lower in discipline (110% vs the top of 129%).

With liberty desire still very low in Frisian Australia, the President gave a rare win to the mercantilists by restricting trade there. This was unpopular but remained far from posing a real security threat.

​

During this period of watching and waiting, the end of an era came on 18 March 1772 with the passing of long-serving and successful President Albrecht Jongstra. He had fought four major wars, three of them imperialist in aim, variously described as epic, triumphant, bloody and brutal. He had abolished slavery in the Federal Republic and added 11 new colonial provinces.

​

As usual, the power-brokers of Leeuwarden considered the last three candidates and decided to let the lottery decide the election. The bureaucratic candidate Siemen Martena emerged the winner and it soon emerged he also brought a keen mind for intrigue to the job which would help efforts to build foreign spy networks in due course.

Perhaps all the previous building activity (and some continuing, not documented in this chapter) led to the architectural boom that benefited Frisian advancement after a substantial investment was made in June 1772.

​

The following month, a review of trade in the English Channel showed that current trade power in the node had slipped to 44%. Five more frigates were ordered to help boost the trade fleet there to 66 ships (naval force limit to 340/341). By the end of 1773 the share had risen to 52%.

Frisian likelihood of controlling the next Pope sat at 8% in October 1772, equal with five other nations – including the despised French and Franconians. More influence was invested to once more edge Friesland ahead of the pack. [A question: does the number of Cardinals matter or have any impact on either the Papacy or anything else useful?]

​

A small discovery in late November 1772 allowed new military technology to be researched, bringing it up to the same standard as the other two branches. Defence in depth allowed for the introduction of the flying battery to the Leger, a good improvement in fire and shock over the royal mortar which had been the mainstay of the artillery for many years.

​

Another large investment was made just after Christmas 1772 when price gouging came to the fore as an issue of concern. Not wishing to either deeply offend the Burghers nor to provoke a huge popular uprising, the government stepped in to pay for a bread ration to calm the situation.

​

Dortmund gained a seat in the expanding Landtag in April 1773, while in September a loss of stability was averted and a large windfall regained for the treasury – at the expense of republican tradition, which would recover in time – with the old whipping boys of the nobility blamed and much of their assets seized.

​

A revolt had been brewing in northern Sumatra ever since the end of the Atjehan War and it was allowed to come to a head in November 1773. The nearby L.v. Bengkulu, commanded by one of Friesland’s best generals, was on hand to quickly put them down. Though after quite a stiff fight at the Battle of Pasai.

​

One more frigate was laid down in Leeuwarden later that month, bringing the navy up to its force limit of 341 vessels. January-February 1774 saw all the Sumatran provinces become Frisian cores, removing the considerable overextension that had affected the Republic for the last three years.

Next came the unlocking of the second espionage idea – with state propaganda to ameliorate the aggressive expansion impact of future conquests.

​

By June 1774 the economy was booming, with 41,000 ducats in the treasury and net monthly surplus of 295 ducats – nearly 500 ducats in trade being the largest component of income, almost 200 from production and 110 from tax.

More helpful news came from a good harvest in September.

​

And Friesland remained fifth in the great power rankings, not too far behind France and Hindustan. Turkey and Russia remained the dominant world superpowers. Could a takedown of France be achieved in the coming years? President Martena contemplated his options - but only in private.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Another idea was to try to engineer a ‘defensive’ war with Portugal by seeking to enforce a white peace in the hope that either Portugal would be thwarted or became upset enough to declare war on Friesland over this interference. But relations with Songhai were too poor to allow Friesland to act as ‘honest brokers’ in the matter.

Seriously Songhai?! Declining help that's been offered to you?

 

[diskoerekto]

. But Somalia was forced into a humiliating peace in December 1772 and Yemen capitulated five days later, made to pledge their loyalty as a vassal to their new Turkish masters.

I wonder who's next

The great power of the Deccan Empire, for immediate reasons not clear to historians (other than it being the stronghold of Hinduism), changed its name to Hindustan on 22 April 1773. It remained the third most powerful nation in the world after Turkey and Russia.

they look scary

The ever-voracious Russians soon decided Kikuchi was a fresh opportunity for an imperialist expansion and was at war with Kikuchi (and through them Japan) by May of the following year. By October, the Russians were just beginning to edge ahead in the calculations.

they'll eat the entirety of east and southeast asia among themselves, russia and hindustan

During this period of watching and waiting, the end of an era came on 18 March 1772 with the passing of long-serving and successful President Albrecht Jongstra. He had fought four major wars, three of them imperialist in aim, variously described as epic, triumphant, bloody and brutal. He had abolished slavery in the Federal Republic and added 11 new colonial provinces.

very successful president overall

As usual, the power-brokers of Leeuwarden considered the last three candidates and decided to let the lottery decide the election. The bureaucratic candidate Siemen Martena emerged the winner and it soon emerged he also brought a keen mind for intrigue to the job which would help efforts to build foreign spy networks in due course.

all good candidates, there was no risk of RNG screwup there!

 

[jak7139]

By October 1774 Kilwa had occupied large swathes of Somali territory and was firmly on top in the war for regional dominance.

If I were Kila, I would worry about taking too much and gaining a land border with Turkey.

The great power of the Deccan Empire, for immediate reasons not clear to historians (other than it being the stronghold of Hinduism), changed its name to Hindustan on 22 April 1773. It remained the third most powerful nation in the world after Turkey and Russia.

This is actually mentioned in EU4's own wiki:

"Despite the name, only Muslim states may form it (Hind is the Persian name for India, from Avestan Hapta Hindu, meaning 'Seven Rivers.' Hence 'Hindi' is an ethnic and geographic identifier, not a religious one. The suffix -stan means place/land in Persian). Hindu states may form Bharat instead, while Central Asian Muslims may form the Mughals."

[Any help in explaining how this mechanic is meant to work and why Portuguese Australia does not appear as an option would be appreciated.]

Does your Australia CN have diplo tech 23 for Imperialism CB? If not, they will need a claim instead.

You can either fabricate a claim yourself and grant it to Australia (same subjects interface. Button says "Grant Core/Claim"). Or you can set the Portuguese provinces as vital interest and hope Frisian Aus. fabricates. Setting the provinces as vital helps the subject AI see what land the overlord wants, so they will create claims to be helpful.

But worst of all, Aragon remained a Portuguese ally and there seemed little prospect of forcing them (or indeed Kilwa) to abandon that link

Does Aragon also decline to break the alliance if you try it spending favors instead? You might just have to bite the bullet if you really want Portugal's land.

Though the search for vassals (as opposed to subjects, which I assume are a different beast)

Subjects is a catch-all term. A vassal is simply a type of subject, same with CNs, marches, unions, etc.

[A question: does the number of Cardinals matter or have any impact on either the Papacy or anything else useful?]

Having more Cardinals does increase your rate of Papal Influence gain (hover over the middle button with the cross in the top-left to see your rate-of-gain). So it can theoretically help you gain the Papacy if you're investing the influence right back into becoming Pope. You can of course also spend PI on the different buffs in the top right of the interface.

 

[Bullfilter]

Seriously Songhai?! Declining help that's been offered to you?

I know. It's like they didn't trust us. You will soon see what their excess of pride does for them.

I wonder who's next

Prophetic words. You will soon see.

they look scary

Very. Best to have them on our side (or at least not against us). May have to start working on them again diplomatically fairly soon.

they'll eat the entirety of east and southeast asia among themselves, russia and hindustan

Quite possibly. Though there is now another regional power on the rise there, with at least one powerful friend ...

very successful president overall

He was. Good long term as well.

all good candidates, there was no risk of RNG screwup there!

Very true - even more resaon to let the lottery choose.

If I were Kila, I would worry about taking too much and gaining a land border with Turkey.

Funny you should say that ...

This is actually mentioned in EU4's own wiki:

"Despite the name, only Muslim states may form it (Hind is the Persian name for India, from Avestan Hapta Hindu, meaning 'Seven Rivers.' Hence 'Hindi' is an ethnic and geographic identifier, not a religious one. The suffix -stan means place/land in Persian). Hindu states may form Bharat instead, while Central Asian Muslims may form the Mughals."

Right, thanks, very useful. I though I saw that it was a Muslim ruler in charge of an almost solely Hindu state.

Does your Australia CN have diplo tech 23 for Imperialism CB? If not, they will need a claim instead.

You can either fabricate a claim yourself and grant it to Australia (same subjects interface. Button says "Grant Core/Claim"). Or you can set the Portuguese provinces as vital interest and hope Frisian Aus. fabricates. Setting the provinces as vital helps the subject AI see what land the overlord wants, so they will create claims to be helpful.

They have diplo tech 28. Does this mean we'd be hoping they (with the right encouragement) might generate an imperialism CB? At the end of this session, I'll nominate a chunk of bordering and inland Portuguese Australian province of interest. Is that enough? Does nominating more have any effect (positive or negative) on Frisian Australian intent or Portuguese opinion, for example? I'll see what that does and perhaps, with my growing espionage powers, maybe get a spy network going for claim generation. Should that be in Portugal itself, as the colonial master, or in the colony?

In reading up, and then checking the F Aust diplo screen, I saw the CB for Turkey was a generic one vs a hegemon.

Does Aragon also decline to break the alliance if you try it spending favors instead? You might just have to bite the bullet if you really want Portugal's land.

I think so. Might see if there's some other way of skinning the proverbial. I also have my covetous eyes on their growing presence in Africa.

Subjects is a catch-all term. A vassal is simply a type of subject, same with CNs, marches, unions, etc.

Right, but do the vassal buffs only apply to vassals specifically (as a subset), rather than subjects generally?

Having more Cardinals does increase your rate of Papal Influence gain (hover over the middle button with the cross in the top-left to see your rate-of-gain). So it can theoretically help you gain the Papacy if you're investing the influence right back into becoming Pope. You can of course also spend PI on the different buffs in the top right of the interface.

Right, useful to know. I've been doing the influence as our current buff still has a while to go. Occasional conversions of new provinces (which I've stopped mentioning in the chapters) have also been helping generate influence.

To All: Look for the next chapter soon. It is a shorter one (a bit, anyway) to run up to the end of the session ... and to stop at an eerily appropriate time with some quite uncanny current world parallels! All will become clear why I stopped it there when you see it .

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 68: Conclave (1774-76)

The Princes of the Catholic Church met on 29 April 1776 to elect a new Pope. ​

Spoiler: Game Note

An eerie parallel to what was going on in our present time. Another coincidence: the game date was 29 April … as was the actual date the session was played! You can see why I finished the session then and decided to use it as the end point of a shorter chapter.

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The British-Chilean Imperialist War

Britain had declared war on Chile in June 1773 with the ostensible aim of taking their capital, Rio de la Plata. This dragged Cuba and Mexico in as Chile’s allies, while Castile backed Britain, bring in their respective large colonies in the Americas. On 8 December 1774, Castile completed the conquest of the Algarve, the last of the Mexican ‘reverse colonies’ in Portugal it had won after the War of Independence.

​

At that time, Chile and Mexico had occupied Castilian California and was working up the West Coast to Pacifico Norte. Meanwhile, it seemed Castile and Britain had sent forces across country via French Canada (with whom they had military access) to take some Mexico’s remote northern provinces.

​

At the end of April 1776, a large chunk of Pacifico Norte had been taken by Mexico and Chile, while the Castilians and British had been expelled from northern Mexico. Britain, which seem to have little realistic hope of taking and holding the Chilean capital, was now somewhat behind in the war.

​

In South America, Chile had occupied much of the small enclave of British Peru.

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Other Foreign Wars

Kilwa had declared war on Somalia back in March 1771 at a time the Somalis were already in trouble trying to defend Yemen from Revolutionary Turkey. In August 1775, Kilwa enforced peace on Somalia, taking four of its southern provinces for themselves as an enclave. Additionally, Somalia was made to release six small states in their north, which security guarantees provided by Kilwa.

​

Just three months later, Kilwa may have been regretting that last clause of the treaty, as the Turks attacked one of them, Revolutionary Jimma. This in turn brought in the weakened Somalis into another war against Turkey, along with Kilwan ally Sofala and another two of the new revolutionary states.

The multiplicity of new revolutionary states (in green, below) spawned out of northern Somalia in 1775. Clearly, being fellow revolutionaries was no protection against the rampant Turkish behemoth.

​

By February 1776, there were four wars in progress around the world. Of these, the Portuguese imperialist invasion of Songhai was nearing its end. The rest were still in their early stages, including the two we have already examined and the Russian attack on Kikuchi (in southern Japanese island of Kyushu) started in May 1774.

Illustration: a Japanese coloured lithograph print showing Russian infantry advancing and firing in Kyushu, c. 1776. [Leonardo AI, Phoenix 1.0. prompt only]​

Just two days later, the growing expansionist regional power of Dai Viet was on the warpath again, cleansing heresy once more, this time in the small neighbouring state of Lan Na. The declining Ayutthaya and Kham were dragged in on Lan Na’s side, while the Vietnamese had the support of Asian superpower Hindustan.

​

In April 1776, around four-and-a-half years of warfare came to an end with Songhai and their more powerful allies Air made to bend the knee to Portugal, who were keen to recoup some of their huge colonial losses by conquering land in Africa. They had annexed and eliminated another former regional state and taken a wedge of land from Air as well.

​

In Asia, at the end of April 1776 one new and one old war continued with the impressive Dai Viet on top in their conflict but the Russians surprisingly slow to exert their undoubted might in Kikuchi, who had Japan's support.

[Image: Leonardo AI, Phoenix 1.0. prompt only]

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Diplomacy, Espionage and Revolution

The free city of Konstanz, by that time completely surrounded by Austria, would not accept vassalisation by Friesland. But they were willing to enter into an alliance, which the Federal Republic proposed as 1774 drew to a close. In truth, this was largely in the hope that Austria might be tempted to attack them, thus allowing Friesland a chance to crush their long-standing rivals without invoking the Coalition or other Austrian allies.

​

If not, then it may at least deter Austria from trying to absorb them.

The diplomatic delegation from Konstanz (right) being greeted by their Frisian hosts at the entrance to the State House in Leeuwarden, December 1774. [Bing AI, DALL-E3]​

Early the following year, Friesland made a bigger diplomatic play in Asia when they sent diplomats, just back from trying to mend fences with Castile, to push the impressive Dai Viet just that little bit more to make them amenable to an alliance pact.

​

As that work was being done, the long-term mission to turn Castile from rival to friend continued though some trust-building engagement.

​

It took only a few months for the Vietnamese (who were not yet at war with Lan Na and its allies at that point) to agree to the alliance proposed by Friesland through their Governor-General in the FEI.

A painting to commemorate the meeting between the Frisian Governor General and Vietnamese Foreign Minister in Batavia, July 1775, to sign the alliance between the two powers. [Leonardo AI, Phoenix 1.0]​

Then an oh-so-sweet moment came in April 1776 when a spymaster from the mortal enemy Franconian Theocracy defected to Friesland in a stunning diplomatic coup. His request for asylum and protection were enthusiastically accepted. He could well find himself employed in the future, as his skills were a good match for anticipated diplomatic tasks.

“I fart in your general direction!” A political cartoon from the Leeuwarden Herald, April 1776, showing a stout Frisian Yeoman ‘accidentally’ but gleefully breaking wind in the face of an outraged Franconian theocrat as he plays ‘the dice of diplomacy’ and wins. [Bing AI, DALL-E3]​

In April 1776 Friesland remained placed a competitive fifth in the great powers list, with a diverse network of European and Asian allies.

​

The tiny ‘rump state’ of Revolutionary Bohemia had left the anti-Frisian Coalition in March 1776. The Federal Republic believed in had achieved a good balance for this hostile grouping in both continents.

​

As we saw earlier, the revolution had spread recently into East Africa and also further across North Africa. Revolutionary spirit remained strong in Franconia and so too in Friesland; though it had not spread any further there in the last year and a half.

​

Despite Frisian hopes to the contrary, the rampant liberty desire in France’s two North American colonies had once more failed to materialise into rebellion.

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Home Affairs

In November 1774, Friesland was heavily over its land force limit (as favourable modifiers fell away and few new buildings were available to extend it), at a noticeable – though sustainable- cost to the budget. Only future development and/or expansion were likely to increase the threshold as infrastructure options had been almost completely fulfilled.

A fusilier of the Frisian Leger, in Leeuwarden c. 1774. [Bing AI, DALL-E3. NB, Bing produced four pretty good versions from the first prompt, some of which I’ll be using in later chapters]​

Trade continued to boom during this time, maintaining itself steadily through 1774-75. Only the increasing burden of supporting a large army was decreasing the monthly surplus. Though it was still healthy, while the treasury reserves continued to grow to over 42,000 ducats by March 1775.

Frisian merchants gather on the docks at Amsterdam while one of their cargo ships unloads in the harbour, c. 1775. [Leonardo AI, Phoenix 1.0]​

Trade income had grown slightly by April 1776. Most of this same from the English Channel followed by Chesapeake Bay, where Frisian trade share dominated. The other source of direct income came from the Malacca trade hub, though there it was Malacca itself that held the largest share. Friesland’s other four merchants were employed directing trade onwards, principally to the English Channel.

NB: Please let me know if, prima facie, any of these merchants seem to be mis- or under-employed where they are. I’m still very sketchy on the details of how trade works in EU4.​

Frisian research was ahead of the game in all three areas and innovation remained at 100%. Diplomatic research would continue to be slowed by the pursuit of espionage ideas, the next of which would boost Frisian spy network creation even further, while also assisting in sieges.

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The Papacy

In December 1774, Friesland’s cardinals exerted more influence within the Holy See as they sought to get one of their own into the role when the current Castilian Pontiff went for his personal interview with Saint Peter. This put them behind the Curia itself, but ahead of other competitors like Franconia, France, Austria and Portugal.

​

This campaign of influence was put to the test on 29 April 1776 when the old Pope passed away and the ancient Conclave process was initiated.

“Habemus Papam!” was the announcement from St Peters after white smoke was seen to rise from the small chimney above the Sistine Chapel. Pope Clemens X emerged onto the balcony to be greeted by a happy roar from the faithful assembled below.

​

The first ever native Frisian Pope had been elected – a joyous day for the Federal Republic.

Clemens pontificate would bring some specific benefits to Friesland itself. Two powers – of excommunication and to call crusades – would be subject to Frisian influence. Though it seemed neither of those might be of immediate practical use – especially against France, which the President would love to have ‘suggested’.

​

However, one duty that fell to Clemens was to pick a new Papal Bull. It might not only ameliorate any future Frisian (and of course other Catholic) aggressive expansion but should bring the option of launching a Crusade back into play.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

the current Castilian Pontiff

The first ever native Frisian Pope had been elected

Hang on, where are the Italians?!

 

[diskoerekto]

Kilwa had declared war on Somalia back in March 1771 at a time the Somalis were already in trouble trying to defend Yemen from Revolutionary Turkey. In August 1775, Kilwa enforced peace on Somalia, taking four of its southern provinces for themselves as an enclave. Additionally, Somalia was made to release six small states in their north, which security guarantees provided by Kilwa.

Kilwa lowkey turned out to be quite scary itself

Just two days later, the growing expansionist regional power of Dai Viet was on the warpath again, cleansing heresy once more, this time in the small neighbouring state of Lan Na. The declining Ayutthaya and Kham were dragged in on Lan Na’s side, while the Vietnamese had the support of Asian superpower Hindustan.

Shu was like this as well when they had the mandate of heaven, that only went on until they hit Russia, let's see if Dai Viet can keep this up against either of Russia / Hindustan. Or maybe they'll become a third focus of strength in Asia, let's see

Early the following year, Friesland made a bigger diplomatic play in Asia when they sent diplomats, just back from trying to mend fences with Castile, to push the impressive Dai Viet just that little bit more to make them amenable to an alliance pact.

Now this would change the power balance considerably in their favor in the region

A painting to commemorate the meeting between the Frisian Governor General and Vietnamese Foreign Minister in Batavia, July 1775, to sign the alliance between the two powers. [Leonardo AI, Phoenix 1.0]

you really use the AI to good use with those pics, very well done!

In November 1774, Friesland was heavily over its land force limit (as favourable modifiers fell away and few new buildings were available to extend it), at a noticeable – though sustainable- cost to the budget. Only future development and/or expansion were likely to increase the threshold as infrastructure options had been almost completely fulfilled.

sounds like we're in need of some expansion

NB: Please let me know if, prima facie, any of these merchants seem to be mis- or under-employed where they are. I’m still very sketchy on the details of how trade works in EU4.

the rule of thumb is to try to collect only from your home node (i think that can be done without a merchant), and rerouting all the trade you can through the most indirect way possible to arrive at your home node. the more meandering way the trade comes, the more money you make. if there are places where you cannot steer it towards your home node then you can collect there but that's suboptimal. one has to look at the trade map to figure out where to expand next so all trade loops back to your home node. In your case, Chesapeake Bay should be steering towards English Channel instead of collecting. If you somehow managed to have one extra merchant so you steer Malacca to Cape and then Cape to Ivory Coast you'll make more money. There'll be people with better and more precise advice than this though.

“Habemus Papam!” was the announcement from St Peters after white smoke was seen to rise from the small chimney above the Sistine Chapel. Pope Clemens X emerged onto the balcony to be greeted by a happy roar from the faithful assembled below.

Great news I guess! Congrats! I never saw/read about a country that has papal control so it'll be exciting to see what can be done with this

 

[jak7139]

They have diplo tech 28. Does this mean we'd be hoping they (with the right encouragement) might generate an imperialism CB? At the end of this session, I'll nominate a chunk of bordering and inland Portuguese Australian province of interest. Is that enough? Does nominating more have any effect (positive or negative) on Frisian Australian intent or Portuguese opinion, for example? I'll see what that does and perhaps, with my growing espionage powers, maybe get a spy network going for claim generation. Should that be in Portugal itself, as the colonial master, or in the colony?

Every country that has diplo tech 23 automatically gets imperialism as a CB. But I just checked on the wiki, subjects can't use it. So you will have to go with a normal claim (fabricated either by yourself then granted to F Aust, or by them).

Nominating just the bordering provinces should be enough. As long as FrAus remains loyal, they will fabricate. I have no evidence for this, but anecdotally I feel like if you highlight too many target provinces, the subject AI becomes paralyzed with too many options.

You have to build the spy network in Portugal itself, but once you have enough strength can make a claim on PAus. Then just give that claim to FrAus in the subject interface.

Right, but do the vassal buffs only apply to vassals specifically (as a subset), rather than subjects generally?

Only vassals I am pretty sure.

In truth, this was largely in the hope that Austria might be tempted to attack them, thus allowing Friesland a chance to crush their long-standing rivals without invoking the Coalition or other Austrian allies.

If Austria hasn't done so already, I doubt they'll do it now with the threat of Frisian intervention.

NB: Please let me know if, prima facie, any of these merchants seem to be mis- or under-employed where they are. I’m still very sketchy on the details of how trade works in EU4.

I agree with @diskoerekto. Probably best to transfer from Chesapeake (since it flows into the English Channel where you collect) and Malacca (eventually flows into EC via the Cape and Ivory Coast). You want to push as much money forward into your main node as possible.

The first ever native Frisian Pope had been elected – a joyous day for the Federal Republic.

A sign that the Republic is of course blessed by God! Huzzah!

the rule of thumb is to try to collect only from your home node (i think that can be done without a merchant)

It can be done without a merchant, yes. But having him there does give a small boost.