Hi and welcome!
I like my games to last long. That's why I decided to try and play a game of HoI2 that would begin in 1897 (thanks to the 1914 mod) and would end... well I'm not quite sure. I would continue the game for as long as I could (or for as long as I would enjoy it
) jumping from 1914 to either vanilla HoI2: DD (or Arma) or Kaiserreich (a truly wonderful mod) depending on the outcome of my first game and then maybe even MDS?
Since I did finish my WW1 campaign (more or less, maybe I will change some things, or play a little longer) I wanted to see if my AAR would draw any attention.
I chose to play the British Empire. The game is set Normal/Furious. I'm not the best player there is, but I try. I hope anyone who decides to read this won't be bored. Cheers.
Middle of the British Empire invasion fleet, 1919
Being on shore the ocean isn't so impressive. Of course the horizon where the sky meets water can charm any heart and there is nothing like the sight of the sun drowning during sunset. Event then when you turn your back you have your home, family or at least stable land there. No such luck here. Cole knew that but still couldn't get used to this sad fact.
When he joined the army he hoped he would be spared the "luxury" of traveling large distances onboard. The fact he was a british empire infantry man complicated things. Hard to avoid going by sea when your country is a bloody island. Even harder when it's spread all over the bloody world. Anywhere in the world - the Great British Empire was there. And wanted to have soldiers there.
Cole couldn't wait till the moment he would set his foot on dry land again. Then again, when he did he was likely to get shot or blown to bits the moment he his foot touched soil. Of course that was only a possibility - chances are his ship will go down before he even sees any kind of shore.
Still he had to admit it. Seeing the great British fleet going to war was impressive. As far as he could see - there were ships everywhere. From rather small, almost unarmed transport vessels like the one he was on, to enormous dreadnoughts with guns that looked like they could destroy mountains with just the roar of firing.
"You don't see this kind of thing everyday, don't you?"
Cole turned his head and saw an older man, a soldier like himself, looking at the fleet and smoking a pipe. The man had a three-day beard that was getting gray here and there. By the looks of it he could be Coles father... or at least something close to that.
"It is an impressive view indeed." - the boy answered looking at a cruiser moving slowly next to his ship - "I just hope I can see it again."
The older man looked at him surprised - "What? One invasion is not good enough for you?"
"That's not what I had in mind. What I meant was - I hope I'll get to ride this fleet back home after the war."
The man burst into laughter which then turned into coughing and into laughter again.
"Good point, son. Bloody good point... I hope you don't mind I'll tag along with you for the ride then?"
"Not at all sir."
"Don't 'sir' me boy. I'm no fancy officer. Gable Thorn is my name, but call me Gabe if you please. All my firends do."
"Cole Heart" - he shook the man's hand. - "How long do you think will the fight last?"
Gabe smiled at Cole. It was a rather sad smile.
"Hell if I know. The last wars didn't last that long did they? The first invasion, then the war... good thing they end so quickly! Made survivng a lot easier" - he laughted.
"You fought in the war?"
"The war? Ha! ? The first battefield I saw was still in the XIXth century!"
Coles eyes widened.
"You can't be serious. That was over 20 years ago!"
"Yes it was. I joined a year before the invasion. During the war with Mahdiya. I could tell you about it if you're willing to hear."
Gabe lit a match and lit his pipe. Cole took his own pack of cigarettes and lit one.
"Sure, why not. Not that I have anything better to do now."
London, 6 May 1898
"As you can see gentelmen, the mighty Russia is not so mighty as one might think." - said the man at the end of the table. He laughted under his nose. "Two months and little japan beats them and takes control over Korea."
"It is impressive indeed your Highness, but I don't think we should underestimate Japan." - a balding man with his chest decorated by medals answered. There was tension in his voice.
"Nonsense, sir Wolseley. Japan is of no importance for our plans. Even if they grow a little stronger they still are too cautious with what they do. I am sure they won't even try to hold Korea in their hands. Probably they will let the koreans govern themselves - a mistake that will cost them dearly."
"But the war is far from being over. What if they get further into russia and obtain control-"
"Over territories so large that they will have problems controling them? Belive me - this war is nothing more than an amusing show of how russia is overrated. I would rather hear how are things going in africa. Any problems since last year?"
"No your Highness. The total victory over Mahdiya achieved in March last year has proven to be a great example how other rebellions may end."
"Not may, but will, sir Wolseley."
"Of course your Highness."
"Sir Lansdown?"
"Yes, your Highness?" - a man with a large mustache asked.
"How are our relations with the Ottomans? Any change?"
"No, your Highness. They are still afraid of our Empires might. I must say I was quite surprised when they handed us Kuwait with no fight."
"Yes, I thought that we would be able to put our plan into motion if they refused. A pity, but what can we do?" - the man at the end of the table smiled.
The sound of knocking on the door filled the room. A moment later another man in a military uniform entered the room. After a deep bow he said:
"Your Highness - I am happy to report that our operation in africa has begun. By the end of this month my men will finish the operation."
"Wonderfull! You have done well sir Ardagh. The next step however is mine to take. If all goes well gentelmen, by the end of this month we will be a step closer to creating our dream Empire!"
London, 30 May 1898
"We cannot allow this to go by with no consequence!" - George Windsor shouted. - "They have gone too far! Shooting at Brish soldiers. That is truly a declaration of war!"
"Stop screaming George, I can hear you quite well." - said queen Victoria. Even thou she was over 60 years old she had some kind of aura of power around her that made other people respect her not only because she was the queen. - "We must not be hasty."
George fell silent. He looked around the room. His father Edward, the heir to the throne, was standing next to all of the important people in Britain.
"My queen, if I may" - the minister of security, sir John Ardagh waited till the queen noded. - "Our spies in France inform us that the french army is currently guarding the border with Prussia. Their side of the channel is completly unguarded. As Viscount Wolseley noted" - Ardagh looked towards the chief of army. - "they suspect us to fight them in our african colonies in niger. A landing in northern france would give us the advantage of surprise."
"Our navy is more than ready for a campaign like this. All we need is your order, your Highness" - sir Frederic Richards, the chief of navy added.
"You are all well aware what you are talking about? We are talking about a new war in europe. You want me to order an invasion on one of the most powerful countries on the continent. Ha! They are even allied with russia!"
Everyone in the room fell silent. After a while sir Lansdowne broke the silence.
"Russia might not get involved in this war - they are still fighting the japanese. Plus, the french public opinion is on our side. They are not very happy with their goverment starting a new colonial war." - said Chamberlain.
"So you are also in favor of this invasion idea foreign minister?"
"Yes, your Highness."
The queen sighted. She looked at every man in this room. She could see they were unanimous. After a while she turned her head towards her son - Edward.
"What say you Edward? If you were in my place, if you were king - what would you decide?" - she asked.
Edward thought for a moment and then he answered.
"It is not my duty to make decisions such as these mother, even if it will be one day. You ask me what would I do. I would think over the situation and choose the best option for my kingdom, for my people. That option right now seems to be war on the continent. The first reason would be to show the other powers we are not to be trifled with. You should remember how the Tsar wanted to create a continental league to isolate us from europe" - anger could be heard in Edwards voice. - "If he succeeded the whole Empire would suffer from that. Secondly - this is our chance to get a foothold in europe. Im not talking about conquering France - that would be too much bloodshed and would take too much time. But just think - if we could control normandy, if we had our little piece of European mainland in out power..." - he fell silent letting the image burn into all of his listeners heads. - "I say - it is the right time to remind the world why is Britain the greatest empire in the world."
Now everyone looked at the queen. Even if she did feel the pressure of her decision she did not let it show.
"Very well. Sir Wolseley I hereby order you to invade northern france. The British Royal Navy are to support you in any way they can. You have my full approval of using the British colonial army stationed in India. You will need it, seeing how our home army is rather small and trained in defending england, not in attacking."
"Yes, your majesty! I will command the attack personally." - Wolseley answered. After a bow he left the room to make preparations. Soon, the chief of navy followed. The meeting was over. The war was about to start.
The same day, in France, the french army was gethering in the south, near Marseille to be transported to africa.
Three weeks later, young private Gable Thorn was about to board a ship that would lead him to the coast of france where his first meeting with war, death and despair awaited him.
I like my games to last long. That's why I decided to try and play a game of HoI2 that would begin in 1897 (thanks to the 1914 mod) and would end... well I'm not quite sure. I would continue the game for as long as I could (or for as long as I would enjoy it
) jumping from 1914 to either vanilla HoI2: DD (or Arma) or Kaiserreich (a truly wonderful mod) depending on the outcome of my first game and then maybe even MDS?Since I did finish my WW1 campaign (more or less, maybe I will change some things, or play a little longer) I wanted to see if my AAR would draw any attention.
I chose to play the British Empire. The game is set Normal/Furious. I'm not the best player there is, but I try. I hope anyone who decides to read this won't be bored. Cheers.
Prolouge
Middle of the British Empire invasion fleet, 1919
Being on shore the ocean isn't so impressive. Of course the horizon where the sky meets water can charm any heart and there is nothing like the sight of the sun drowning during sunset. Event then when you turn your back you have your home, family or at least stable land there. No such luck here. Cole knew that but still couldn't get used to this sad fact.
When he joined the army he hoped he would be spared the "luxury" of traveling large distances onboard. The fact he was a british empire infantry man complicated things. Hard to avoid going by sea when your country is a bloody island. Even harder when it's spread all over the bloody world. Anywhere in the world - the Great British Empire was there. And wanted to have soldiers there.
Cole couldn't wait till the moment he would set his foot on dry land again. Then again, when he did he was likely to get shot or blown to bits the moment he his foot touched soil. Of course that was only a possibility - chances are his ship will go down before he even sees any kind of shore.
Still he had to admit it. Seeing the great British fleet going to war was impressive. As far as he could see - there were ships everywhere. From rather small, almost unarmed transport vessels like the one he was on, to enormous dreadnoughts with guns that looked like they could destroy mountains with just the roar of firing.
"You don't see this kind of thing everyday, don't you?"
Cole turned his head and saw an older man, a soldier like himself, looking at the fleet and smoking a pipe. The man had a three-day beard that was getting gray here and there. By the looks of it he could be Coles father... or at least something close to that.
"It is an impressive view indeed." - the boy answered looking at a cruiser moving slowly next to his ship - "I just hope I can see it again."
The older man looked at him surprised - "What? One invasion is not good enough for you?"
"That's not what I had in mind. What I meant was - I hope I'll get to ride this fleet back home after the war."
The man burst into laughter which then turned into coughing and into laughter again.
"Good point, son. Bloody good point... I hope you don't mind I'll tag along with you for the ride then?"
"Not at all sir."
"Don't 'sir' me boy. I'm no fancy officer. Gable Thorn is my name, but call me Gabe if you please. All my firends do."
"Cole Heart" - he shook the man's hand. - "How long do you think will the fight last?"
Gabe smiled at Cole. It was a rather sad smile.
"Hell if I know. The last wars didn't last that long did they? The first invasion, then the war... good thing they end so quickly! Made survivng a lot easier" - he laughted.
"You fought in the war?"
"The war? Ha! ? The first battefield I saw was still in the XIXth century!"
Coles eyes widened.
"You can't be serious. That was over 20 years ago!"
"Yes it was. I joined a year before the invasion. During the war with Mahdiya. I could tell you about it if you're willing to hear."
Gabe lit a match and lit his pipe. Cole took his own pack of cigarettes and lit one.
"Sure, why not. Not that I have anything better to do now."
London, 6 May 1898
"As you can see gentelmen, the mighty Russia is not so mighty as one might think." - said the man at the end of the table. He laughted under his nose. "Two months and little japan beats them and takes control over Korea."
"It is impressive indeed your Highness, but I don't think we should underestimate Japan." - a balding man with his chest decorated by medals answered. There was tension in his voice.
"Nonsense, sir Wolseley. Japan is of no importance for our plans. Even if they grow a little stronger they still are too cautious with what they do. I am sure they won't even try to hold Korea in their hands. Probably they will let the koreans govern themselves - a mistake that will cost them dearly."
"But the war is far from being over. What if they get further into russia and obtain control-"
"Over territories so large that they will have problems controling them? Belive me - this war is nothing more than an amusing show of how russia is overrated. I would rather hear how are things going in africa. Any problems since last year?"
"No your Highness. The total victory over Mahdiya achieved in March last year has proven to be a great example how other rebellions may end."
"Not may, but will, sir Wolseley."
"Of course your Highness."
"Sir Lansdown?"
"Yes, your Highness?" - a man with a large mustache asked.
"How are our relations with the Ottomans? Any change?"
"No, your Highness. They are still afraid of our Empires might. I must say I was quite surprised when they handed us Kuwait with no fight."
"Yes, I thought that we would be able to put our plan into motion if they refused. A pity, but what can we do?" - the man at the end of the table smiled.
The sound of knocking on the door filled the room. A moment later another man in a military uniform entered the room. After a deep bow he said:
"Your Highness - I am happy to report that our operation in africa has begun. By the end of this month my men will finish the operation."
"Wonderfull! You have done well sir Ardagh. The next step however is mine to take. If all goes well gentelmen, by the end of this month we will be a step closer to creating our dream Empire!"
London, 30 May 1898
"We cannot allow this to go by with no consequence!" - George Windsor shouted. - "They have gone too far! Shooting at Brish soldiers. That is truly a declaration of war!"
"Stop screaming George, I can hear you quite well." - said queen Victoria. Even thou she was over 60 years old she had some kind of aura of power around her that made other people respect her not only because she was the queen. - "We must not be hasty."
George fell silent. He looked around the room. His father Edward, the heir to the throne, was standing next to all of the important people in Britain.
"My queen, if I may" - the minister of security, sir John Ardagh waited till the queen noded. - "Our spies in France inform us that the french army is currently guarding the border with Prussia. Their side of the channel is completly unguarded. As Viscount Wolseley noted" - Ardagh looked towards the chief of army. - "they suspect us to fight them in our african colonies in niger. A landing in northern france would give us the advantage of surprise."
"Our navy is more than ready for a campaign like this. All we need is your order, your Highness" - sir Frederic Richards, the chief of navy added.
"You are all well aware what you are talking about? We are talking about a new war in europe. You want me to order an invasion on one of the most powerful countries on the continent. Ha! They are even allied with russia!"
Everyone in the room fell silent. After a while sir Lansdowne broke the silence.
"Russia might not get involved in this war - they are still fighting the japanese. Plus, the french public opinion is on our side. They are not very happy with their goverment starting a new colonial war." - said Chamberlain.
"So you are also in favor of this invasion idea foreign minister?"
"Yes, your Highness."
The queen sighted. She looked at every man in this room. She could see they were unanimous. After a while she turned her head towards her son - Edward.
"What say you Edward? If you were in my place, if you were king - what would you decide?" - she asked.
Edward thought for a moment and then he answered.
"It is not my duty to make decisions such as these mother, even if it will be one day. You ask me what would I do. I would think over the situation and choose the best option for my kingdom, for my people. That option right now seems to be war on the continent. The first reason would be to show the other powers we are not to be trifled with. You should remember how the Tsar wanted to create a continental league to isolate us from europe" - anger could be heard in Edwards voice. - "If he succeeded the whole Empire would suffer from that. Secondly - this is our chance to get a foothold in europe. Im not talking about conquering France - that would be too much bloodshed and would take too much time. But just think - if we could control normandy, if we had our little piece of European mainland in out power..." - he fell silent letting the image burn into all of his listeners heads. - "I say - it is the right time to remind the world why is Britain the greatest empire in the world."
Now everyone looked at the queen. Even if she did feel the pressure of her decision she did not let it show.
"Very well. Sir Wolseley I hereby order you to invade northern france. The British Royal Navy are to support you in any way they can. You have my full approval of using the British colonial army stationed in India. You will need it, seeing how our home army is rather small and trained in defending england, not in attacking."
"Yes, your majesty! I will command the attack personally." - Wolseley answered. After a bow he left the room to make preparations. Soon, the chief of navy followed. The meeting was over. The war was about to start.
The same day, in France, the french army was gethering in the south, near Marseille to be transported to africa.
Three weeks later, young private Gable Thorn was about to board a ship that would lead him to the coast of france where his first meeting with war, death and despair awaited him.
