Finland in the Northern Russia makes quite a bit of sense, possibly with a few smaller states in between Finland and Ukraine as satellites of the two powers. I would agree that the ability of Finland to either colonize a part of Siberia, or have sufficient interests in the region to want to colonize there (or take over Ukraine's colonies) could make the game much more interesting. That would give Finland at least one viable path of development in the game, although it would be brought into conflict with Ukraine in such manner.
Ukraine could also have two main paths of expansion, should it choose to do so; one would bring it in direct conflict with Finland and/or Poland (should Poland make it into the final cut) in competition for the Baltic Sea access and trade. This path should have the benefit of allowing Ukraine to advance technologically and to gain factories, at the cost of worsening relations with the other nations, and a very real possibility that Finland and possibly some of the other neighboring nations could win, resulting in loss of Ukrainian lands, and possibly a loss of parts of Siberian colonial empire to Finland.
Another path of expansion would bring it into conflict with Byzantium, should Ukraine decide to go for the Black Sea domination, as below:
There could be a Ukrainian satellite nation in, say, Crimea or so, with a claim on Byzantine throne - effectively a "monarchist government-in-exile". Later on, Ukraine could have an option to attack the Byzantine republic under the guise of "restoration of rightful Emperor", or some such proclamation. If successful, the severely diminished Byzantium could be forced to become a Ukrainian satellite, with Ukraine gaining much of the provinces surrounding the Black Sea. A number of surrounding coutries, such as Hungary, and possibly even some Italian states might get an option to join in as well, with the possibility of territorial gains.
Effectively, think Bourbon restoration in post-Napoleonic France, or even the Entente intervention in Civil War Russia, mixed with an equivalent of IVth Crusade less any sort of pseudo-religious justifications.
In case such a war is won by the Republic, it might have three main paths:
One would give it an option to become aggressively expansionistic, with a possibility of Napoleon-like leader(s), and an inclination to strike at some of its neighbours. Should this option be selected, an event chain leading to the creation of the Second Empire could be generated, at the cost of reducing relations with the neighboring countries (no one likes the country who has been taking names) and some unrest/consciousness increase in population. This event chain should lead to moderate expansion, possibly resulting in reconquest of areas Byzantium would have considered "theirs" as the former Eastern Roman territory - parts of Middle East, and maybe southern Italy. Effectively a relatively balanced expansion, somewhat of a move to the East, and somewhat of a move to the West.
Another would allow Byzantium to move towards socialist/communist dictatorship, which should be the event chain for extremely militarily inclined players, and should incline it heavily to move to the East, bringing it into conflict with The Kaliphate, and to the North, attempting to bring Ukraine and possibly Hungary into the socialist fold.
Finally, the third path would be the one with the least expansion possible, but also designed for the less militarily active players. In this instance, after winning the recognition of its neighbors and showing it is not to be trifled with, the Byzantine republic would get a number of economic boosters, factories, etc, a boost in relations with the neighboring countries, but no incentives or bonuses to expand.
OK, I admit I am somewhat enamored with the idea of having a possibility for Byzantium (my favorite nation to play in Abe) to turn back into the Empire, with some advantages and disadvantages thereof; also, they might go completely the other way around and become The Red Menace (especially if Vicky Abe ever gets to become a MOD for HoI or HoI2). A third, and more balanced choice would lead it closer to the Western Europe, with a chance to become a late player in the colonial scene.
yourworstnightm said:
If Finland have expanded in Northern Russia, it could still have Muscowy as a satelite and ally. That could also mean that north russian minors supported by Ukraine decide to profit from the civill war situation and move in to finnish Russia. Anf for Finland there could be an option to accept the new declared "Nort Russian Confederation" (a Ukrainean satelite off course) or then not and try to keep their Russian lands. Finland could also have some colonial claims in Siberia.
And Milan usually dominate Noth Italy in Abe, so I think they still should be a dominant power, that much could not have happened from 1820 to 1836.
. BTW. I think Poland shuold be in Aberrtion
