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Dutch AAR

The Dutch AAR


I found myself looking over a naval nation with big problems. Half the fleet was being blockaded in a french port by an iberian one, outnumbering me four to one. One of the two Asian centers of trade was being besieged by a Portugese colonial detachment, and my ally, the King of England, surrendered immediatly at the start of the session.

After looking for options I came to the conclusion that a surrender was in place. I was also in a war against AI Prussia, together with Austria. I got Kleves and Munster out of the deal, helping Austria grab the one Prussian colony in order to get a 100 percent deal.

As I was getting acquainted with a style of trading I have never done before (looking for empty slots), I see a navy sailing by, showing Venetian colors. As he sunk the swedish navy in seconds, taking Copenhagen with ease, I saw an opportunity to intervene. Before asking my big neighbors if they'd intervene I sailed the Dutch navy to the Sund and annihalated the venetian navy, having been promised Oldenburg from Sweden.

Sweden then asked if it would be okay to give me ducats instead. I thought I'd be nice, so I accepted (seeing as Oldenburg is Protestant and my religious sliders are all towards reformed and catholic). I asked for 2000 but ended up being offered only 900. Apparantly, I was given the full lot of it, I missed it in the chaos that was to come. I guess I learn something new about multiplayer game style every time...


On the southern border, french troops were massing up. A demand came to end the independence of our fair nation, making it a puppet to the french.
The answer was given, and so the First Frog War commenced.

England brought an army and the dutch gathered forces to protect the country against a greater power, as it had many times before in history.

The defence was gathered in Zeeland, behind the river, and the french main army was beaten. With cunning strategy from the Dutch generals and from the later on leaderless armies of the English, the french were soundly beaten. I signed a white peace as soon as it was offered, not even considering the possibility of gaining anything in the peace. I quickly realized this was a big mistake, as the English had superiority in the colonies, and I could have acquired almost anything from the routed French.

Years of peace followed, concentrating my efforts on turning my colonies into cities and regaining the strength in trade. The infrastructure was improved to a level unseen before in the world.

My English ally decided to do what the Doge had failed in doing, and I saw no reason to interfere.

Soon enough, the aggressive neighbour to the south starting recruiting troops again, close to the border. England, now the leader of the alliance since my mistake in the First Frog Peace, had spoken to the iberians, and the war would have to be limited to the continent.

Soon enough the French once again crossed the dutch border, raping and pillaging everything in sight. They even used access to Austrian territory to attack from the east, territory that soon became unavailable. The larger french army to the east was beaten to the ground as they were regaining from an assault, and the english were giving them a hard time. The dutch troops were not the inexperienced ones the french had faced in the First Frog War, but hardened veterans, and soon, the offensive could commence.

The french troops, although superior in numbers, were beaten time and time again, and soon, the Dutch army was besieging Paris.

This was when Austria and Venice interfered. The mighty dutch fleet did not fear the spagetthi loving italians, but the eastern frontier would never withstand an Austrian assault.

English and Dutch demands could not be more than Artois and Calais. Since the Iberians did not wish to interfere, this was all that was taken.
The Second Frog War was won, and the free dutch people of Artois rejoiced.


The rest of the session was spent in peace, with a sale of Kleves for 1000 ducats being made to appease the giant to the east. The Netherlands remained neutral as the russians stormed the Holy Roman Empire, but did send the occasional gift or two to the Tzar, to ensure his victory.


I ended the session with a land and naval techonology of 51, but with an economy pretty much unchanged. Colonies were expanded, but a lot was lost with Shanghai.


Merik the random v-netter
 
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The God loves the Queen, but not her generals - 1742-1776
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Diplomacy and Strategy:
The Strategy of the Queen was not certain and definite this session. England just got loud defeat, lost Sacramento CoT to Iberians and recovering to 900 ships immediatly would mean something like +6-7% inflation, which would mean 28-29% in the end, if there is no lucky deflations. Then our NL ally was not known to us at all. The best admiral Anson (orig. 5-4-4) was already lost, but other English sons still sail the seas (better say trapped in ports though)

At the other hand England received in 1748 Clive conq 6-6-6 and in 1744 general Wolfe 4-5-5. So it was logical to try to use our advantage at lands. Because naval control would be way too far goal, we decided to change something from old usual boring game "you lose the naval war, so you lose 2 CoTs" and convert CoTs value to gain NA colonies.

Before the session we saw three possible targets - Kopenhagen CoT, French colonies in NA and Spanish+Porto colonies in NA to grab a lot of them downto Mexico. Trying to grab one goal before other one could lead that just lost enemy would go against you, so it was kind of hard dilemma what to do with our land leadership. The limitation was that Wolfe is not long living.

Then Venice Doge came to us, informing about warm relations with France and big desire to punish Spain. We negotiated this, and decided to plan invasion to Iberians at europe and NA in 1748. England was planning to build some warships to hide them at sea and attack-and-dissappear any minors fleets attacking our colonies. Clive with his double bonus of non-attrition as conq with 6 movement should command 30K at NA and should steamroll Spanish forces without problem and attrition at all. 70K would be granted to him as reserve. 130K with Wolve should stay at island in case of Iberians invasions. Meaning that France would take a lot of attention of Spain, i didn`t expect more than one time 100-150K invasion, which wouldn`t be a problem.

Then i talked more deeply with France. They declared it is enough pleasant goal indeed to vassalize Spain, and then they wanted to vassalize NL. I had no idea who will be NL and how reliable he is, besides vassalization lasts only 10 years without orders, so i agreed to this plan, but i give the right to vassalize NL only after i finish war with Iberians.

Then i talked with Austria, who intended to grab germans and nothing more, and dealt that Austria won`t attack countries, who are fighting against our enemies. When i get the peace, Austria can attack if they wish. After that i promise to give them interesting information... that France gonna vassalize NL and Austria should take glory mission to save NL :D

The game, the wars and the deaths:
Like i suspected, France had no much mood to go against iberians and i saw them concentrated more near NL and building forts there. While i organized English chaos, Venice fleet sailed via English Channel and dowed Sweden for Kopenhagen. During this action Venice destroyed whole Sweden fleet, but got dowed by OE and NL, and had to return to Veneto with white peace.

England owned Guangzhou with Guangdong and Lao-bla-bla province was owned separately. We let Hunan deflect, but there were no any land way to Lao-bla-bla from the beginning. 3K rebels were there with endless patrolling. England prepared 100K in NA, specially left 38K army without leader to let Clive heads the biggest army, when he spawns. Shirley 4-4-3 leader was sent to NA to support Clive, while 3-5-2 leader in England was left to support Wolfe if needed - we had system of reserves. London was upgraded to large fort. In 1748 Clive spawned in Lao-bla-bla
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and 2 days later, before i realized that, he was killed by rebels.
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Complete shock, and any plans against Iberians were ruined - we had supreme general only in one place, while we would need them in 2 to try to make our opportunistic plan successful. Then we asked for the NAP to Iberians. Before this we noticed that France concentrate more vs NL, and they privately asked if i mind their dow of NL. I was busy with a lot of things, so i noticed that, but didn`t reply. Anyway we talked about anti-iberians first, and not let NL be vassalized first. I suspect that then Rob wouldn`t fight hard vs Spain and could separately peace in any moment. So he should be awarded by the prize only after the main action, like i told before the session. At this time Venice doesn`t seem to be ready too, after they were booted from Sweden. So i didn`t doubt i have to try to get diplomatic deal with Iberians.

Ozzeh told - depends what you plan. I told that i need to defend my ally, NL - that is my only plan at the moment, and at least this first step in our understanding was blessed. So i switched to second target - French colonies at NA, and asked NL not to make a peace because he is alliance leader. When first wave of French troops were defeated and Wolfe started to be aggressive in France vs de Saxe, colonial troops had some success (at the end we had something like 60-70K of Eng vs 25K of France at NA), and we reached the WS to stabhit France... NL accepted WP. Well, understable mistake of new player, Merik. England was not angry on him, because we knew we`ll achieve our goal later anyway.

After we get free, we started to persuade Iberians for session NAP again. Then we dowed Sweden for Kopenhagen CoT, and Lurken wisely decided not to fight Wolfe. He agreed to cede Kopenhagen at first offer, and same way i agreed at his first offer to let Sweden have mono there. Well, of course it was easy to grab CoT with such advantage, but England didn`t have the luxury to be kind just after own loud defeat. It was obvious that Iberians will keep the naval advantage until the end of this session, and England should act according that policy.

Iberians shockly informed us that they support NL vassalization by France (probably they told something about money support river too), so at this moment i could find linked warm relations, meaning one huge alliance by chain like Austria-Venice-France-Spain-Portugal. So we speaked more, and finally Iberians agreed to session NAP at following terms:
- England doesn`t build more than halflimit of the fleet, which was 480 warships.
- France will try to vassalize NL once more, but it will be totally european war, England can`t strike more in colonies.

Well, like it was obvious about Iberians naval supremacy over the world, same way England would keep naval advantage over Sweden, specially gaining total NL sympathy while defending her from France. Friendly position of Sweden King let us don`t worry about losing of Kopenhagen this session, while later it can be offered to be returned depending on the situation. Besides if not England grab it, other nation, like Venice could do it.

At this time Hastings conq appeared in Lao-bla-bla and was killed by rebels
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So France knew the terms from Iberians and dowed NL at 1759. Strange move, because France has two good leaders at 1755-1760, and France made mistake to unite them in one group together with de Broglie too (4-4-4 orig. 1750-1775). The bigger mistake was not to watch for too low infantry in own armies, so all invasions like 200-250K were sooner annihilated. When Wolfe came to second battle to attack leaderless 30K army in Artois, he died
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. I suppose to wait several month to wait for the death of Mancolm 4-5-7, but he intercepted me in Flandern, and reinforcement from ships made him retreat with low number of infantry and a lot of cannons (over 300). In Brabant he kept resisting and then he was annihilated. Two months later the french first invasion army (which invaded Munster and Kleves via Austria) suffered from attrition to something like only over 300 cannons, and was annihilated by us too.

Then England had something like 2-5-3 and 3-4-2 leader, which could do some work vs France. Then NL got 3-4-3 leader. Side attacks at Vendee and Bretagne deconcentrated troops of France, and despite they could take own forts back, NL started to go offensive. It was clear for me it is just matter of the time to beat the France, and soon we could stabhit France for Calais and Brabant. France tryed to retake Calais, got defeated while assaulted, moved to Picardie... and then about 150K or more from Picardie, Paris and Champagne attacked dutch siege in Artois. NL probably could bring about 120-130K there, and as i informed them - if he loses this battle, we`ll lose ability to stabhit. But NL won it, and then several successful assaults of England followed - Bretagne, Caux, Normandie and NL finished Artois. So we got over +70WS and destoyed enough frogs. France agreed to peace, but NL wanted more than Calais and Brabant. Austria and Venice started to announce about their intervention and England thought like we don`t want this risk, specially if Iberians would claim they are provocated and dow. So the peace was accepted for Calais, Brabant and 400 gold.

Later NL wanted to expand more watching at Austria and France, but England decided to be conservative at this point, preferring good peace. Our naval limit became over 1000 ships. Austria wanted to grab german provinces from NL, and we suggest to sell one province for 1000, and let the second one be the domain on NL. That was accepted and the peace settled there. We extended our good relations with Venice to sign formal nap at those time, same as with Austria.

While Austria steamrolled France, and Russia prepared to dow Austria with Suvorov, we sent 1800 dujcats to Russia and 350 to France. We were suprised OE finished Mughals vassalization during gang of Austria, and then didn`t join the gang to dow rather hopeless later.

Administration:
+7 cities
+1 CC, +2 shipyards (who the hell built shipyard in New Zealand and Sacramento ??? guess AI with 5 millions)
- a bit fucked sliders by USA events, but we moved serfdom up, so stability costs now 3300 instead of 4100.
- we used two deflations, and our income was raised over 50% to 560. If not Carolina event just before the end, it would be around 590 at +3 stability.
- modern, but not ahead of time LT and NT, +2 trade techs up (we did about 1.7-1.8 of them)
- fleet raised to 473 ships, naval support - 1025
- 180K infantry and 600 cannons
- +7 refineries, +13 judjes
 
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Portuguese AAR 1742-1776

The session started once again with a war, though which was once again won already. So peace was signed as soon as I had sieged Shanghai and Spain getting sacramento.

Finally Portugal saw a peacefull time ahead of them, so they changed their investments into the long abandoned infrastructure of the country. As well as minting for about 15% to 20% to get some deflation going in the country. But we soon discovered, that the deflation guy didnt want to go on holiday to Lisboa anymore after the earthquake. But at the end, thanks to the great streat layers of Portugal, we managed to rise 3 infra levels. We also managed to follow in the footsteps of NL, so we are now the 2nd most advanced nation in the world.

Almost simultaneously we poored ourselves into a great fortification effort all around the world. With every colony getting a fort and increasing all the COT's to medium. As well as building to mighty in Tago and large in the other 3 provinces. If this wasnt enough 2 more shipyards were build, one in Jakarta and one in Diamentina(i think lol).

This was all made possible by the great Portuguese tradesmen who sailed forward to gain profits from all over the world. Soon all CoT's had 5 Portuguese merchants in them, except for those stubborn English ones :p. With this income and the need to protect it 50 more ws were added to the Portuguese fleet.

So it came that at the end of the session the Austrians began to play imperialist in Europe. This offcourse couldn't be allowed and Spain and us saw an opportunity when he started an offensive against France. So when Austria asked us if we would intervene we said no, but knowing that Russia would gain Suvorov, Spain supported France and we supported the Russians to build up their army. With Suvorov coming closer, we decided to start negotiations with other nations to make sure Austria was being halted. So negotiations started with the Swedes and OE as well. The Swedes were quickly convinced to join when they saw the Iberian gold on the table and province's for the taking. OE were at first eager to join, but finally were to busy with Mughals and Persia. At the end this didn't seem to matter. As Austria lost the war losing a lot of ground on 3 fronts.
 
Phoenix Out Of The Ashes - The Rise Of The Republica Venezia 1742 - 1776

After the terrible war against France in the 1730s the Doges of Venezia realized, that this old yet precious and magnicifent country needed to expand in order to survive and to defend it´s independence.
For far too narrowly had a dire catastrophy been twarted, too real the infernal prospect of dismemberment and partition had become! Accordingly, plans were drawn up, to find the most profitable avenue of expansion.
After a thorough analysis the venetian highcommand came up with 3 scenarios of desired conquest :

1. The Slavonic Provinces in the Balkans, presently controlled by the Ottomans.

2. Spanish Italy, mainly Napoli and Apulia.

3. Kopenhagen

Of these three, the second option seemed to be the most dangerous, as a conflict with mighty Spain would be suicidaly dangerous endeavour in the best circumstances. It was hence abandoned for the time being in favour of negotiating with the Iberian Juggernaut. The first option, while quite easily feasible, was not that attractive either, as the lands of the Balkans were mostly poor and of secondary value. Still, as Venice had a good rapport with Austria and also posessed a significant fleet of 260 warships, it was assumed, that these territories could be gained at any time and hence it was decided to initiate preparations for the third option, Kopenhagen.

Operation Kopenhagen Al Forno Con Formaggio Bolognese

This decision was also influenced by the insolent behaviour of the swedish King, who had closed his Tradecenters to the decent venetian merchants. This, it was felt, was the final straw. So in the spring of 1745 an army of 70.000 men, with 300 cannons was loaded on the mainfleet and set sail for the nordic waters. As this taskforce had to pass several european ports, namely in Spain, Portugal, France and the Netherlands it raised a certain rucus however, as different respected monarchs started to worry about this fleet, being suspicious that it in fact might be intended to sneakattack them. Yet these gentlemen could be convinced and calmed and hence the invasionfleet sailed on, evermore northwards, towards the lands of the Norsemen, a semicivilized people, partially still living in trees yet with a port packed with juicy goods...
Once the golden city of Kopenhagen was in sight, war was declared and brave admiral Gerrebrantse (5:5:4) commenced the bombardement. Soon, the harbour was in venetian hands and the invasionforce then landed and started besieging the city. The Swedes, completely caught by surprise, were unable to act effectively. Their fleet was bottled up inside Kopenhagen and the one time they did try to engage the venetian fleet the consequence was that their entire navy was sunk, sending 185 warships, 4 transports and 219 galleys to Davy Jones´ Locker. Shortly thereafter Kopenhagen fell and the people of Venice rejoiced in jubiliation. The war was under control and Sweden forced to watch impotently as Vencice conquered more and more territory in northern Germany as well. In short : things were looking good.
Then, however, the ruthless Stadhoulder of the Netherlands elected to intervene. 300 dutch Men Of War sailed to the baltic and engaged the venetian fleet. Luckily, the Doge had withdrawn his main naval force earlier as what happened next can only be described as a massacre in cold blood.
In two very brief battles, Holland sunk 100 venetian warships, blockading the straits to Scandinavia. Alas, what was deemed already ours was suddenly lost again. The infuriated Doge wanted to send 300.000 men towards the Netherlands immediately, of course, backed by another 600.000 Austrians and 600.000 Frenchmen to vasallize these madmen and rid ourselves once and for all of the dutch menace. Suddenly, however, the heathenous Sultan decided in his dubious wisdom to declare war as well, after which any further engagements in the north were simply out of the question. Hence a status quo ante - peace was signed with Sweden and reluctantly with NL - if nothing was gained (but glory), nothing was lost either.
Having signed peace with all other powers Venice and Austria then concentrated the full fury of their righteous anger on the Turk. All straits between the OE´s european posessions and the Asia Minor were blockaded by the remainder of the venetian fleet and a massive invasion was launched.
After some passionate, yet senseless fighting the Sultan yielded, as Constantinople and all of his european lands had fallen. Thus the First Peace Of Constantinople was signed, ceding Hellas and Macedonia to Venice and 2 romanian provinces to Austria. Embittered by the unchivalrous behaviour of the Sultan, the Doge decided to punish the Turk further, however, and prepared another liberationwar together with Austria.
Once the truce expired with the Ottoman Empire war was redeclared, the relevant straits reblockaded and the relevant provinces retaken. This second war was a brief, yet deadly affair. The Sultan, crushed and dispirited, soon offered negotiations which led to the Second Peace Of Constantinople, in which the Ottoman Empire handed over Serbia and Bulgaria to Venice and Varna to Austria and in consequence was reduced to a second rate power in Europe. At about the same time a breakthrough in the secret negotiations with the decent and noble King of Spain was achieved and the Treaty Of Napoli signed. Per this treaty Napoli and Apulia would be sold to Venice for 1500 ducats and Venice in return promised not to embark on any antiiberian adventures.
After all these violent enterprises the Doge wished only peace, as he wanted to develop the Republic and and enjoy the fruits of his hard and bitter labour.
Years of peace followed, which were put to good use.

First the 100 sunken ships were rebuilt, increasing the venetian navy to 250 warships once again.
Then a refinery was constructed in Emilia, to produce more of it´s fabled wine. Once finished the doge then embarked on a massive Conscriptioncenter - building programme, constructing 3 of these and thusly vastly increasing the leverage of the venetian army.
Paralell to this the state was further centralized and better weaponry invented.

The good peace was not to last, alas. Austria and France had some territorial
disputes, which soon led to all out war. Venice, allied with both and seeking to intermediate, was forced to look on, while Austrians and Frenchmen slugged it out with passion. A strong coalition of Russia, Sweden (directly) and England, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal (indirectly) intervened on behalf of France however and soon crushed to austrian stormtroopers, forcing the Archduke to seek peace, in consequence of which he lost substantial territories to France, Russia and to a lesser degree to Sweden.
Once this sad affair was concluded, Austria was of course reinvited into this blessed alliance of Venice. And wise were we to do so! For the crazy Sultan, bent on revenge, declared war and tried one last time to force his will on christianity.

This trifle inconvenience is being dealt with at present. Constantinople is under siege for the third time, and will soon fall to the combined forces of Austria and Venice, even though it has a maximum fortress. The straits are blockaded yet again and hence the Ottoman Empire has effectively lost this war, too. A likely peacetreaty will include the handover of the final 2 provinces the OE has in europe.....to Austria. It is a deserved sunset for the Ottoman Empire, which so crudely engaged the christian forces. It is also a late sunrise for Venice, which has finaly risen to greatpowerstatus.
I believe Tonio is the right man to take over from here and I wish him luck with this most blessed realm...
 
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1742-1776 D/A/M Rating

Spain - Ozzeh
Calm session, but he was always ready for action i believe. Used 10% deflation events, like England and very good administration with 4 more manus.
5-8-5

OE - Cheech
Was defeated by supreme Austria-Venice alliance, and was late to Austria bang, which is still unexplained, so doubtful a lots. Finally OE moved to army slider and Persia annexed.
5-6-4

Russia - FAL
Got the world sending him ducats. Couldn`t have a time to fight at all for making fighting rating, because von Laudon died in first or second battle vs Suvorov.
6-6-5

Portugal - Sander
Whole diplomacy went to Spain, nice income boost.
5-7-5

Sweden - Lurken
Was dowed for tasty Sund by 2 nations, but once manage to get NL for the defence. Settle monopoly in Sund, and returned Prussia from Austria (but not Bremen ?)
6-6-5

Austria - smn
Austria concentrated on getting all the germans, using their supreme leaderships this period. He was aggressive to Holland, Sweden and fought France and OE. Stayed neutral between Northern Alliance and Iberians, but then all money from them went to Russia. So he raised inflation and got loudly banged at the end. And he let Venice uses him with getting almost nothing in back.
3-5-6

Venice - Wonko
Promised England with France to go anti-Spanish, but didn`t do anything for that, but instead sailed to Sund. Plus for that. Minus for getting resistance from NL and OE, so Sund attacked ended in nothing. Got Austria to help them vs OE, and Austria fought to get Piedmonte to Venice. But didn`t help in a return at all, when the times came.
4-6-5

Holland - Merik
Good perfomance for newcomer to MP games, though of course there are enough things to suit.
6-6-5

Edit: ah , i forgot
France - Robertus
Doubtful diplomacy, he could use De Saxe and Mantcolm, de Broglie against leaderless Spain than fighting England`s Wolve and losing colonies. But then got support from Spain for vassalization of NL, but that let Northern Alliance sign session NAP with Iberians with the duty not to touch French colonies. Was ally of Venice, but Austria fought to take his province to Venice ? Fighting was too far from being optimal in some moment, so he lost leaders, and later it was only technic to finish France in those war.
5-6-3
 
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How could you forget me Tonio?

Anyway

D/A/M as always

Tonio. England 5/6/5

Strong performance from Tonio, made England a power that is truely dreaded. France cannot protect her Colonies from her. Strong work Diplomatically and Militarily, Supporting Holland and regaining Calais.

Merrick. Holland. 5/5/5

A Good performance from our newbie, was able to halt the wrath of France and gain Barbant. France will not let this stand for long though I feel.

Ozz. Spain. 5/6/unrated

Didn't fight a war to the best of my knowledge, gave good Diplomatic and financial support to France and has made great headway on the economy. Didn't fight a war though, so no Mil rating

Sander. Portugal. 5/5/unrated

Gave the Russians a big heap of cash, thus allowing the Russian bear to get closer to Europe's heart. Again no war, no mil rating.

Wonko. Venice. 6/5/5

Managed to buy Naples from Spain which is a good deal for them. Walked the tightrope between France and Austria and beat up the Turk. Fun times.

smn. Austria. 5/5/6

Apart from the 3 front war, smn did well Diplomatically, keeping Venice sweet and in his wars, managed to smack around any one power.

Cheech. Ottomans. 5/5/4.

The only reason I am giving a less then average mil rating is that you lost massive amounts of land. Not entirely your fault, you thought well enough, but Venice Austria was too strong and the fact that Austria jumped into the Venitian alliance, one that France wasn't willing to let go at the moment and hence was unable to divert Austrian Attention.

Fal. Russia. 5/6/6

Brought Russia kicking and screaming into the 1700s. Russia is in a position to reclaim much of what is lost. Good job Fal.

Sweden. (For the life of me, I can't remember who was there) 4/5/5

Sweden is kind of isolated. Her only true ally in Europe is France really in my opinion as only France and Sweden's aims don't mesh. An average session, managed to regain some lost ground but lost Kopenhagen.
 
D/A/M

Spain - Ozzeh
5-5-5 About the adm, since Spain is rolling in money it is not hard to expand with manus.

OE - Cheech
4-6-5

Russia - FAL
6-5-6

Portugal - Sander
6-5-5

England -Tonioz
7-7-7

Austria - smn
5-5-5

Venice - Wonko
6-6-5

Holland - Merik
5-5-6

France - Robertus
4-5-4