The Griffin from North - DenmAARk

[Jedrek]

Hello again people!

I realise this game may be slowly dying out as EU4 is already here (and is, as I have heard, pretty awesome), but I decided to finally give EU3 a try and honour this (after all) fine game with this humble AAR. Plus, maybe this time I'll manage to play at least 1/2 into the game...

House rules are as follows:
-> Each monarch will have 2-3 random traits added randomly at the moment on their ascencion. The exact number will depend on the sum of their attributes. They won't affect any in-game stats, more like serve as RP guidelines.
-> Great men at court will also affect gameplay, dependant on their and monarch's skill.
-> National Ideas will be added according to storyline, not my personal gaming strategy. Which doesn't exactly mean they will be added without a plan, just that I won't be going for Ecumenism just because it boosts AE.

OK, so let's start!

Griffin fra nord

Gryfite family tree

Spoiler

Table of contents:

I - A Griffin on the Lion Throne
II - Contra Teutones
III - The Two Queens
IV - The King and the Knights
​

 

[Jedrek]

I - The Griffin on the Lion Throne​

Born in 1382 on Darłowo castle in Pomerania, future king Erik - born as Bogislaw - initially seemed destined to remain "just" a ruler of a minor borderland principality. All this changed in 1387, when young king olaf II, the only son of Nordic queen Margaret, died without any issue. Thus, the closest surviving descendant of king Valdemar IV was no one else than Margaret's grand-nephew through her sister Mary - Erik Gryf of Pomerania.

The queen adopted the young prince, convincing the Estates in Demnark, Sweden, Iceland and Norway to accept the boy as future king. The coronation took place on the 17th of June 1397 in Kalmar, soldifying Margaret's great scheme - officially unifying Denmark, Sweden and Norway into a union of crowns.

A foreigner in his own country, young Eric was initially largely dependent on his stepmother. Even though he managed to conduct his own foreign and internal policy, Margaret retained huge influence on the choice of advisors, courtiers and commanders alike.

In 1399, Margaret arranged Erik's marriage to Philippa Lancaster - daughter of Henry IV*. Their marriage, albeit arranged, was quite happy and, above all else, served Margaret and Erik's common goals - on the 16th of May 1400 Philippa bore a child - a boy, name Christian.

Of course, the king and his stepmother couldn't have ruled alone. During the first two years of their joint rule, a number of courtiers managed to distinguish themselves, with three ultimately gaining a long-running and direct influence on state affairs. Maximilian Bille - the bailiff of Scania - became Margaret and Erik's chief advisor on monetary affairs. Harald Rosenørn, former overseer of Hansa's kontor in Stockholm, was tasked with managing the ever expanding network of Danish merchant contacts. Finally, a young noble from Castille - Juan (also known as Johann af Castilien in Danish sources) became commander-in-chief of the Danish Royal Navy.

Rosenørn's strive to improve Danish trade revenue and establish permanent Danish presence throughout the Baltic Sea must have resulted in conflict with two main powers of that time - Hansa and the Teutonic Order. Ambitious and reckless, Erik decided to strike first, aiming at the less dangerous rival - the Order.

Having conquered the islands of Gotland and Øsel, the Order effectively controlled the so called Ingrian Route, connecting the Baltic Sounds with Novgorod and the riches of Russia. In order to establish their presence in eastern Baltic basin, the Danes had to challenge the Teutonic knights over supremacy over those two islands.

* - I know Philippa would be, like, 7 years old at that time... Let's assume she's born a handful years earlier, shall we?

 

[1anrs]

I've subscribed to this, Denmark is one of the countries I have considered playing. I have played Sweden before and did really enjoy that, especially being able to unite Scandinavia

Look forward to seeing how this pans out according to the rules you have set yourself. Looks like you have got off to a flying start with the islands of Gotland and Osel, may he harder to defend on the other hand.

I suppose playing Denmark, the possibility is to inherit both Sweden and Norway if relations are kept high enough. Perhaps also become the bastion and driving force of Protestantism and the Reformation and struggle for dominance against the HRE.

 

[Jedrek]

II - Contra Teutones​

In September 1401, Erik met with other Gryfite princes in Stôłp. Princes Bogislaw VIII of Stôłp and Swantibor of Szczecin signed a treaty of friendship with Erik, promising him aid in wars against the Order, as well as allowing Danish ships to stay in their ports for indefinite periods of time. In return, Erik proclaimed himself as the protector of all Pomerania, and promised exclusive rights in Ingrian trade once the Teutonic domination would be overcomed.

Next two years were spent recruiting troops and exercising the navy, according to Johann's advice - and in September 1404 the Danish fleet appeared at the shores of Gotland and Øsel. Two army corps landed almost simultaneously on both islands, with Danish and Swedish squadrons blocking weaker Teutonic fleet in Elbing. The Knights attempted to break out on the 22nd - only to be forced back, with galley Elbing taken captive by victorious Scandinavians.

Initial triumphs were soon put at stake, as king of Germany Vaclav IV openly criticised the Danish invasion, calling for a crusade against the "treacherous Vikings". This threat, however, was completely forgone by the foolest move the Teutons could have made; in July 1405 grand master Konrad von Jungingen took side in the Western Schism, supporting the antipope Benedict XIII in Avignon. This, of course, led to withdrawal of Imperial support - and devastated the knights' morale, culminating in fall of Visby in November.

With their objectives secured, the Danes tried to lure the Teutonic Knights to engage in decisive naval battle. An attempt to interdict a convoy heading from Lübeck in January 1405 resulted in a brief skirmish of the Hel Peninsula, where cog Danzig fell into Danish hands. Finally, Danish objectives were fulfilled in March, when the Scandinavian navy managed to surprise the Teutons, who in turn were attempting to make a sneak landing to retake Øsel. The battle ended with complete destruction of Teutonic navy*.

With naval hegemony established and numerically superior Teutonic army cut off in Prussia, king Erik embarked on a land campaign in Livonia. The year-long operation ended with subsequent surrender of Dorpat, Tartu and Dünaburg. Commanding the sieges personally, Erik gained valuable experience in warfare - but also weakened his already fragile health.

In May 1407 the Danish initiated what they hoped to be the decisive campaign of the war - invasion of Prussia. Ten thousand troops, divided into two regiments, disembarked near Putzig and Praust, initiating the siege. Danish cavalry spread far and wide, plundering as far as Lauenburg and Dirschau. Even though the Danzig itself was well fortified and capable of whitstanding a long siege, Erik was determined to conquer it - or face the Teutonic Order in a decisive battle at the city's walls. Ravaged by the blockades and prolonged warfare, the Teutons decided to risk neither. When the second wave of Scandinavian invasion - consisting mostly of Norwegian detachments - arrived at the gates of Elbing, von Jungingen ordered the city gates to be opened. Scandinavian victory was complete.

The Peace of Elbing, signed on the 26th of August 1407, recognised Danish control over Gotland and Øsel, as well as accepted Denmark as guarantee of Pomeranian principalities' independence. Additionally, the Teutonic Order guaranteed exclusive trade rights for Kalmar merchants in Danzig, as well as recognised Erik's protection over the bishopric of Riga. Elbing and Danzig were to remain in Danish hands, and were displayed in triumpf upon Erik's return to Copenhagen.

This victory, however, was Erik's final; severly weakened by pneumonia outbreak during Livonian campaign, his health crumbled during the severe winter of 1407/1408. Even though best medics of three kingdoms fought to save his life, they failed the race against the White Lady - and on the 14th of April 1408, king Erik died in his chambers, following a sudden relapse that extinguished his life in just two short days.

Margaret's plans, for the second time, were put in jeopardy. This time her stepson managed to produce a heir to carry on her father's legacy. Nevertheless, wouldn't the task of conserving a fragile union be too much of a burder for such a young boy?

* -> For the curious - the painting is Bitwa na Zalewie Wiślanym - po bitwie (Battle on the Vistula Lagoon - aftermath) by Henryk Baranowski

 

[Jedrek]

I've subscribed to this, Denmark is one of the countries I have considered playing. I have played Sweden before and did really enjoy that, especially being able to unite Scandinavia

Look forward to seeing how this pans out according to the rules you have set yourself. Looks like you have got off to a flying start with the islands of Gotland and Osel, may he harder to defend on the other hand.

I suppose playing Denmark, the possibility is to inherit both Sweden and Norway if relations are kept high enough. Perhaps also become the bastion and driving force of Protestantism and the Reformation and struggle for dominance against the HRE.

Thank you for reading & subscription

Yeah, claiming the islands is pretty much a no-brainer. The problem begins with deciding the second step.

I won't hide that Sabaton's Carolus Rex was among the things that inspired me to write this AAR - so expect my Denmark playing a grand game of Baltic domination. I don't want to tell too much about my plans (mostly because they never work and I just go with the flow), but it is highly unlikely that my Denmark will remain Catholic after the reformation. Hell, even if I played Spain, I would seriously consider converting, just to make the pope suffer. XD

 

[blsteen]

The islands are good but you'll have to work to bend the reluctant Swedes to your will
The Hansa should be good to DOW someone in the region, then crush them...hopefully without the emperor crushing you

 

[1anrs]

The islands are good but you'll have to work to bend the reluctant Swedes to your will

Since Sweden is a junior partner in a PU with Denmark, I would have thought handling them would be relatively easy? There is certainly no hurry to get their lands since you already have two of their decent provinces, Skane and Halland, and the rest of the country, other than a few metal provinces in the Bergslagen area, is dirt poor and, worse still, money costing colonies in some cases. Having played Sweden myself, I managed to beat Denmark in a war near the start before they built up an army, but they are so poor that I'm sure they would struggle to keep up with you if you built up an army as a human player in a determined way. If they attacked, Norway would intervene anyway. Also, if necessary use your navy to block the straits if you need to as your navy is much bigger.

What I would try as Denmark is to build an army just as a precaution against Swedish attack but then simply keep relations high, expand my sphere of influence in whichever way I can (possibly within the HRE for later CBs or also Riga as you will probably want to expand into Russia as Scandinavia). Then wait for the new King to die. If your sphere is big enough and your relations are high then you should inherit both Norway and Sweden. In the meantime, if you have enough money and diplomats, get relations with Holstein high, get a Royal Marriage and diplo-annex them, make sure you have a magistrate to make the province of Holstein leave the HRE though. I think this should be possible as you already have an alliance with them if memory serves.

I've never played Denmark myself, so I realise I may be wrong so am open to correction, but that is what I would try to do.

The Hansa should be good to DOW someone in the region, then crush them...hopefully without the emperor crushing you

Agreed, if I remember, it borders Holstein as well, so it would be there for when you diplo-annex them. Perhaps you can also diplo-annex Hansa if you want to do it peacefully, you would then need three magistrates to take it out of the HRE. Peaceful expansion probably would lead to a game where very little happens at the beginning and it would probably be more than 20 years before it was finally achieved in the case of the Hansa. If you do want to go to war without the emperor being involved, then you would need to engineer a way where you declare war on a Hansa ally who is outside the HRE, if such a thing exists.

Annexing Hansa would be good for getting a CoT, although the disadvantage of it would be that it is uncored

Interesting stuff, am tempted to start a Denmark game myself now to try all this out Will be interested to see where it goes.

 

[Jedrek]

Lubeck is indeed a tempting target, being a wealthy CoT, close to my borders... And ready to accumulate 8 Infamy just for the sake of annexing it. Additionally, the Empire in MMUW tends to be a relatively coherent force up until the Reformation, so I guess that any action towards Lubeck would result in hordes of Czech, Palatine, Bavarian and other troops (as well as Bremish and Dutch navies) converging onto Copenhagen... Not an attractive perspective, don't you think?

Actually, I have played a couple of games as Denmark so far, and never even tried to play Sweden, so I can't think of any comparision... ^^' I remember Sweden was a tough nut to crack in land warfare, as it can easily capture your wealthiest provinces, forcing you to either build a sizable army (which would be smaller than Swedish, due to manpower mechanics) or create an alliance with Russia to flank Sweden (and lose Finland in the process). Still, if I fail to integrate Sweden before Reformation kicks in, I'll probably have to resort to force, as I've never seen all three members of the union convert to the same creed...

Anyway, expect the next update to be posted tommorow!

 

[1anrs]

Lubeck is indeed a tempting target, being a wealthy CoT, close to my borders... And ready to accumulate 8 Infamy just for the sake of annexing it. Additionally, the Empire in MMUW tends to be a relatively coherent force up until the Reformation, so I guess that any action towards Lubeck would result in hordes of Czech, Palatine, Bavarian and other troops (as well as Bremish and Dutch navies) converging onto Copenhagen... Not an attractive perspective, don't you think?

Absolutely not, and I think you are right. The safe, if slow, way to expand into the HRE is probably to offer vassalisation and then to diplo-annex. The good thing about Denmark is that you are not in the HRE and can therefore take the territories out of the HRE using magistrates after you have got them.

Having said that though, I have just remembered that Lubeck is a Merchant Republic and therefore you cannot have royal marriages with them so the diplo-annex won't work with them It should with Holstein and a few others near your border though. Getting provinces/states such as Mecklenburg or Pommerania do wonders for your manpower count, which is the biggest problem I encountered with Sweden, other than money...

Actually, I have played a couple of games as Denmark so far, and never even tried to play Sweden, so I can't think of any comparision... ^^' I remember Sweden was a tough nut to crack in land warfare, as it can easily capture your wealthiest provinces, forcing you to either build a sizable army (which would be smaller than Swedish, due to manpower mechanics) or create an alliance with Russia to flank Sweden (and lose Finland in the process). Still, if I fail to integrate Sweden before Reformation kicks in, I'll probably have to resort to force, as I've never seen all three members of the union convert to the same creed...

Playing Sweden was actually great fun, if very hard at first. I first declared war on Denmark and then annexed them in a second war, also annexing Mecklenburg who had joined in the war as an ally. Then expanded round the Baltic Sea, through Novgorod and eventually disbanded the HRE and ended up with a huge empire through northern Germany reaching to the Adriatic. You do start very poor with terrible conditions (colonies, no full fort cover) so it was a good challenge

The way round manpower issues is mercenaries. This obviously depends on having enough money though, of course...

As I said previously, I would wager that you can inherit both Sweden and Norway. Just build up relations with them but make sure you greatly expand your sphere of influence before your king dies. If you miss out on the inheritance through being at war, or whatever, it should then happen with the next king dying.

 

[Jedrek]

III - The Two Queens​

Margaret and her daughter-in-law took action soon after Erik's demise; they convened the Estates of three crowns to Kalmar, where they acknowledged the young Christian as rightful heir to the Union. The only exception took place in Iceland, where a faction of nobles led by Knud Bille refused to follow the majority. A quick naval expedition, led by Johann af Castilien, got rid of this challenge to royal authority, bringing the culprit to Copenhagen in chains.

This success saw a seed of discord among the slowly assembling regency council; even though Maximilian openly disproved of his brother's deeds and even volunteered to personally lead a tribunal against him, the apodictic Margaret (who slowly openly styling herself Dronningemoder - Queen Mother) stripped all members of Bille family - including her most trusted sheriff - of all titles. Embittered, Maximilian went with his family on a self-imposed exile to Scotland.

Ultimately, his place in the regency council was taken by Gunnar Ulfeldt - a rather mediocre philosopher and writer, whose main achievement turned out to be creation of Summa Naturalis - a loose and partial translation of Arabic complation of Aristole's treaties on ethics and law. His position on the court was, however undisputed, as he enjoyed the personal favour of Queen Mother herself.

Surprisingly, dowager queen Philippa quickly became the second person in the realm, the only who could - albeit only occassionally - challenge Margaret's authority. Her main achievement of that period was organisation of the second meeting of Gryfite princes in Stôłp in August 1408, where she managed to gain the support of all the Pomeranian branches of her husband's dynasty. Even Barnim VI of Stralsund - initially reserved towards Erik and his designs - was won over this time, a clear proof of Philippa's undisputed charisma.

In internal politics, the downfall of Maximilian Bille allowed both Johann and Harald Rosenørn to strenghten their position, implementing a series of reforms on their own. Rosenørn greatly emphasised merchant activity, supporting the expansion of local markets outside already established centres of commerce - on Jutland, Gotland and Øsel. Johann, on the other hand, devoted his efforts to expansion of royal navy and implementation of anti-piracy plan (first drafted by king Erik himself shortly after the fall of Gotland).

Even though the Baltic basin was much smaller than Mediterranean, its numerous skerries, bays and fjords gave pirates a plenty of hideouts and cover to conduct their operation - a threat that became especially vivid after the Peace of Elbing. To counter this, Erik decreed a separate squadron to be commissioned, devoted entirely to hunting and eliminating pirates. Johann took personall command over the squadron, and during the next few years managed to reduce unlawful activities to more acceptable levels.

Johann also conducted an extensive modernisation program, inviting his shipwrighting compatriots to Denmark, where they could have shared their valuable experience with the Scandinavians.

Margaret's death on the 28th of October 1412 resulted in a shift of power; with Philippa assuming full powers as regent, she quickly disposed of Ulfeldt, removing him from the council. She initially wanted to restore Maximilian to the post, but he politely declined, choosing his self-imposed exile in Scotland instead. Ultimately it was Gunnar Reventlow, Rosenørn's thrusted associate, who took the vacant post.

On the 15th of May 1415 Christian I was officially crowned by the archbishop of Copenhagern in Kalmar, ending his mother's regency. The first king to rule without the influence of all-powerful Margaret, he carried great expectations on his back - the question remained, how would he utilise this potential.

 

[Jedrek]

Absolutely not, and I think you are right. The safe, if slow, way to expand into the HRE is probably to offer vassalisation and then to diplo-annex. The good thing about Denmark is that you are not in the HRE and can therefore take the territories out of the HRE using magistrates after you have got them.

Having said that though, I have just remembered that Lubeck is a Merchant Republic and therefore you cannot have royal marriages with them so the diplo-annex won't work with them It should with Holstein and a few others near your border though. Getting provinces/states such as Mecklenburg or Pommerania do wonders for your manpower count, which is the biggest problem I encountered with Sweden, other than money...

Playing Sweden was actually great fun, if very hard at first. I first declared war on Denmark and then annexed them in a second war, also annexing Mecklenburg who had joined in the war as an ally. Then expanded round the Baltic Sea, through Novgorod and eventually disbanded the HRE and ended up with a huge empire through northern Germany reaching to the Adriatic. You do start very poor with terrible conditions (colonies, no full fort cover) so it was a good challenge

The way round manpower issues is mercenaries. This obviously depends on having enough money though, of course...

As I said previously, I would wager that you can inherit both Sweden and Norway. Just build up relations with them but make sure you greatly expand your sphere of influence before your king dies. If you miss out on the inheritance through being at war, or whatever, it should then happen with the next king dying.

Well, I have never tried mercs (upkeep simply scared me off), but guess I might be forced to use them at some point. All in all, that's MMU - where everything is supposed to hurt (a lot) and OPM usually means "Overly Protected Minor"

As you have seen, I'm trying to forge a coalition of Pomeranian princes for potential annexation/vassalisation, but all's dependant on luck here. Plus, I've got that curious configuration where Slesvig not my vassal, but a lesser part of a personal union with Holstein - which is my vassal in turn. So I'm not sure whether annexing Holstein would turn Slesvig independent, or make me annex the other partner as well. Which is purely academical, as the mechanics automatically reduce my relations with Holstein to <0, as I don't have sufficient AE to integrate a vassal...

 

[blsteen]

Mercs are only good if they are the last thing left...Was playing as Holland in Vanilla (well custom mod) breaking from Burgandy and in two wars they were the only
thing that saved me after my pathetic 10k of manpower went like spit on a hot stove in the face of a nasty Burgandy. They are however half useless in fighting.
Don't know what they are like in MMU but...their performance probably hasn't been improved
Christian better have a cunning plan to expand:excl:

 

[1anrs]

...The only exception took place in Iceland, where a faction of nobles led by Knud Bille refused to follow the majority. A quick naval expedition, led by Johann af Castilien, got rid of this challenge to royal authority, bringing the culprit to Copenhagen in chains.

I know I am probably in a minority here, but I always let Iceland go if I can, it is in a really annoying place, it is the first thing that is occupied by the enemy in war time thus ruining your war score if you have a weaker navy and it is a pretty useless province in terms of trade and production value. I know that it is a good stepping stone to North America but I never really do any colonising if I play one of the Scandinavian countries anyway so all in all, I have no use for the place I find it really annoying that you cannot release it as a vassal...

Johann also conducted an extensive modernisation program, inviting his shipwrighting compatriots to Denmark, where they could have shared their valuable experience with the Scandinavians.

Is this the National Idea you are referring to here? I have always wondered how useful excellent shipwrights really were but obviously if you are trying to build a navy in a hurry it may be quite good to have.

... and OPM usually means "Overly Protected Minor"

Indeed, don't play this mod myself but it is similar in the game itself. Always find it mind boggling how attacking one OPM results in war with about 15-20 countries

As you have seen, I'm trying to forge a coalition of Pomeranian princes for potential annexation/vassalisation, but all's dependant on luck here.

Indeed, good idea and if it does work out, it will increase your manpower by a huge amount. In my Scandinavia game, I think it was the Pommeranian provinces plus Danzig and Mecklenburg where I built all my army buildings and then concentrated all my military production, even when the nation became an enormous empire.

Plus, I've got that curious configuration where Slesvig not my vassal, but a lesser part of a personal union with Holstein - which is my vassal in turn. So I'm not sure whether annexing Holstein would turn Slesvig independent, or make me annex the other partner as well. Which is purely academical, as the mechanics automatically reduce my relations with Holstein to <0, as I don't have sufficient AE to integrate a vassal...

Hmm, sounds frustrating! Don't really know the answer to this one either unfortunately.

Mercs are only good if they are the last thing left...Was playing as Holland in Vanilla (well custom mod) breaking from Burgandy and in two wars they were the only thing that saved me after my pathetic 10k of manpower went like spit on a hot stove in the face of a nasty Burgandy. They are however half useless in fighting.

I fully agree with you here, they aren't great. I tend to mix them in with my normal units to improve them a bit but, yes, they are pretty bad. However, as you said yourself, if you have money but not manpower, they are really the last resort but they more than do the job and so I won't hesitate to use them. I always disband them after the war though unless there is a pressing reason not to. Money is unfortunately usually also an issue with Scandinavian countries though

 

[Jedrek]

IV - The King and the Knights​

The nobles hoped that the era of authoritarian, indomitable monarchs ended with Margaret's death. However Philippa, hailing from the intrigue-filled Plantagenet court herself, did her best to prepare her only son to stand up for the task at hand.

Contemporary descriptions depict Christian as a "handsome and elegant man", of "hot temper and great arrogance". He was also said to be fluent in five languages at the time of his ascencion - Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Latin and French - as well as capable of conversing with Polish king Alexander and Teutonic grand master Ludwig Anton von Pflaz, which implies at least moderate knowledge of Polish and German. A great talent for languages, he apparently lacked in other court duties, as very few administration acts bear his signature.

Soon after his coronation, the king embarked on a grand voyage, visiting first his Gryfite cousins at Darłowo, then moving on to Lübeck, London and Dunfermline. It was there, on court of James I Stuart, where he married his first wife Isabella, second daughter of the Scottish king*. Alliance with the Scottish was a part of a greater scheme, partly made on Philippa's behalf; after sudden and unexpected death of Henry IV and his son and successor Henry V during an outbreak of plague, the crown of England fell upon a newborn Ceasar; marriage with the Stuarts was to secure at least one stable ally on the other side of the Northern Sea, should the Plantagenets lose crown.

Upon his return in March 1416, Chrisitan had to face an unexpected challenge to his authority; Oluf Bille, son of Maximilian, rallied a large faction of nobles, hoping to avenge his father's exile and uncle death. Using Maximilian's many estates as power and financial base, he almost managed to mount a sizeable army and would have surely seized Copenhagen, should Christian not return on time to save the day. Preceded by a rumor of Scottish regiments coming onboard the returning fleet, the rightful monarch offered to pardon all who kneel - with the exception being the whole Bille family. Fearing for their precious holding, the nobles disarmed peacefully, and Oluf joined his late father in exile in Scotland. Upon his death in 1423, his estates have been forcibly incorporated into crown domain - despite his last will donating them to the Church.

His throne secured, Christian was finally ready to face the real foe - the still powerful Teutonic Order. Following Konrad von Jungingen's death in 1407, the Order's chapter elected young and energetic Ludwin Anton for the grand master. Using the wealth of Prussian cities to rebuild the shattered fleet, he also actively sought allies abroad - which allowed him to discard the Peace of Elbing in 1417, forcing Kalmar merchants out of Danzig and seizing Danish and Swedish ships present in Danzig at the moment.

This obvious casus belli was not utilised by Christian only because Ludwig Anton had found a powerful protector; Polish king Alexander considered expanding Danish influence to be a greater threat to the young Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth than the (seemingly) weak Order - and promised to intervene on Teutons' behalf should Christian and his armies appear in Prussia. The spectre of war was dispelled - but destroying the Order and avenging this slight became Christian's lifelong obsession, as expressed in his letter to margrave of Brandenburg (and his cousin) August I: "Ordo delenda est".

Encouraged by Jagiellonian support, Ludwig Anton started an aggressive campaign, aimed against Kalmar merchants in the Baltic basin. Its culmination was the invasion of Lübeck in 1426, when the Teutonic fleet entered the port, deploying a small detachment that burnt many magazines, mostly belonging to Kalmar and English merchants. Infuriated, Christian ordered the fleet to sail out and engage the Teutons - but an unexpected storm forced the galleys back to Copenhagen. Realising the incoming threat, Ludwig Anton returned to Königsberg, leaving devastated Lübeck in his wake.

Realising sabre-rattling alone wouldn't break the cunning grandmaster, Christian switched to a more subtle approach, using his cousing August of Brandenburg to establish contacts with Alexander Jagiellon. Difficult negotiations produced a visible result in 1430, when during a meeting in Płock Danish princess Anna became wife to August, successor to the throne of Poland. Although this act alone did not end Polish guarantees to the Order, it broke the ice, making first contact between the two powers - and being the first step in alienating the Order.

Meanwhile, in Livonia, the once-powerful Livonian Order was entering the greatest crisis of its history; facing a revolt of civilian population (which in significant portion consisted of Orthodox) and a complete collapse of state administration, it slowly degenerated into merely a scene for two most important Baltic players of that time - Ludwig Anton and Christian. As the king and the knight moved in to scavenge the crumbling state, king Alexander in Kraków pondered on his options. Although far from sea, Wawel would become the place where the fate of the Baltic was to be decided.

* -> Once again let's assume she was born earlier than in reality, shall we?

 

[Jedrek]

I know I am probably in a minority here, but I always let Iceland go if I can, it is in a really annoying place, it is the first thing that is occupied by the enemy in war time thus ruining your war score if you have a weaker navy and it is a pretty useless province in terms of trade and production value. I know that it is a good stepping stone to North America but I never really do any colonising if I play one of the Scandinavian countries anyway so all in all, I have no use for the place I find it really annoying that you cannot release it as a vassal...

I can't say I didn't think about vassalising them afterwards (and explaining this as kind of concession on Chrisitan's side), but I decided to leave an option for New Vinland open

Is this the National Idea you are referring to here? I have always wondered how useful excellent shipwrights really were but obviously if you are trying to build a navy in a hurry it may be quite good to have.

Well, I already start with a considerable navy, but since I wanted the Vinland option open, I decided to have that neat 5% NT cost reduction I tend to avoid direct in-game descriptions (like "I picked this NI because..."), replacing them with more descriptive passages. Hope you don;t mind ^^'

Indeed, don't play this mod myself but it is similar in the game itself. Always find it mind boggling how attacking one OPM results in war with about 15-20 countries

Dunno if this MMU or DW, but now with "Call to Arms" diplo option wars tend to develop pretty quickly from regional conflicts into full-scale total wars Especially painful when said OPM is allied with the emperor, giving CB for all HRE to join the fray...

Indeed, good idea and if it does work out, it will increase your manpower by a huge amount. In my Scandinavia game, I think it was the Pommeranian provinces plus Danzig and Mecklenburg where I built all my army buildings and then concentrated all my military production, even when the nation became an enormous empire.

WIth the income reduction brought by military buildings, it really helps to concentrate production indeed I've built barracks in Copenhagen and Lund (top MP provinces as of today), it boosted my manpower by almost 1/4. ^^

I fully agree with you here, they aren't great. I tend to mix them in with my normal units to improve them a bit but, yes, they are pretty bad. However, as you said yourself, if you have money but not manpower, they are really the last resort but they more than do the job and so I won't hesitate to use them. I always disband them after the war though unless there is a pressing reason not to. Money is unfortunately usually also an issue with Scandinavian countries though

So far my standing army of 10k has proven to be quite effective (albeit unproven in battle) - which, according to Sun Tzu, is the pinnacle of the art of war But yeah, money is an issue when you have to maintain a bunch of merchants and construct improvements... Plus curse you, "Lack of Naval Interest" modifier!

Don't know what they are like in MMU but...their performance probably hasn't been improved
Christian better have a cunning plan to expand:excl:

His plans will unfold soon, no worries

 

[1anrs]

Well, I already start with a considerable navy, but since I wanted the Vinland option open, I decided to have that neat 5% NT cost reduction I tend to avoid direct in-game descriptions (like "I picked this NI because..."), replacing them with more descriptive passages. Hope you don;t mind ^^

No, don't mind at all and didn't mean to imply I did. I am still learning the game so I just wanted to ask for clarification as interested in what other people use as strategies, hope you don't mind me asking questions?