Serenìxima: A Venice AAR [Hearts of Iron 3]

[Cuahtemoc]

SERENÌXIMA - A VENETIAN AAR

Mods and Expansions Used:
For the Motherland
Historical Plausibility Project
Adding Venice (made by yours truly)
A customized music mod (again, made by yours truly)

A few nights ago, I randomly thought, “Why don’t I add the Republic of Venice to HOI3?” Two days later, after much typing and wiring, the homebrew was complete.

This is why I don’t have a stellar backstory/premise. Forgive me.

Premise

Venice does not go into decline by losing its wars against the Ottomans in the latter half of its historical existence. Rather, the republic consolidates its resources and military to the Venice’s terra firma-the region of Veneto. Veneto is overrun by Napoleon in the 1890s, except for the city of Venice which has become a citadel on water. Napoleon is incapable of taking the city, and signs a power sharing truce with who was supposed to be the last Doge-Ludovico Manin. Manin agreed to give Napoleon some reign over a powerful Venice, provided that Venice was given special privileges under his rule. These privileges included retaining its trade empire and some authority over the region of Veneto. The republic remains powerful under Napoleon, and in a rather Macchiavellian fashion, joins the Sixth and Seventh Coalitions to secure total independence once again. The Congress of Vienna maintained the status quo ante bellum-Venice was allowed to remain an individual nation…much to the dismay of a now weakened Kingdom of Lombardy (historically, the two nations were in union). Venice remains strong and is at the forefront of technological and social progress during the 19th century. During the Revolutions of 1849, the oligarchic rule of the Republic’s wealthy class was threatened. To this end, the working and wealthy classes settled on many major socio-political compromises. First, the Doge has a term of 3 years (formerly, he was elected for life) and is subject to democratic elections. Second, the secretive Council of Ten becomes the democratically elected-cabinet of the Doge. Third, the Venetian Council and Senate are merged into one unicameral legislative body. Because of its vast riches coupled with socially progressive thinking, Venice became the envy of Europe. One could say virtually all the city’s elite were the spitting image of Andrew Carnegie himself (or, as they revere him in this Venice, Andrea Carnéxe). As the Risorgimento came about, Venice was determined to remain the most powerful of the Italian States. Again, the Republic settles for a compromise. Venice and Veneto would become part of a unified Italy with semi-autonomous status and privileges. However, the Republic is now obliged to protect the rest of Italy in times of war, lest face the wrath of a now equally powerful Italian military. Veneto remains the most prosperous region in Italy. In the First World War, it is Venice that singlehandedly defeats the Austro-Hungarians not just at Vittorio Veneto, but also captures the capital of Vienna itself. Venice survives the First World War, and resists the surge of fascism and communism throughout Europe to a great degree-it is too steeled in its pact between wealth and the worker to lean to either side. This can be also attributed to the fact that the depressions of the 20s and 30s were no more than bumps in economic growth for Venice as opposed to the rest of the world (can you say diverse trading portfolio?). As Italy went to war in Ethiopia, Venice did not tag along, to the chagrin of Mussolini; Venetian imperialism died out long ago. The current Doge, Girolamo Mocenigo, is rather concerned about potential conflict with a militant Mussolini and an ever-militarizing Germany. War is coming, and the Republic must be ready to take its role in saving the world from the social-political extremes it fears so much. The Republic remains a semi-autonomous puppet of Italy, represented by an alliance and non-aggression pact. This will change soon. Forget the quickly-imagined, lame premise. On to the fun bits.

Preface

The fine print: Some pointers to readers: -The setting and premise is ahistorical, but not alt-history per se. -There will be music associated with each post, so notice that! -Format will range from history textbook style to dialogue to letters…the possibilities are endless because that is how I do things like this. -Writing is mostly in English, save for the occasional one or two words in Italian. Any phrases entirely in Italian will have an English translation. I will dare not follow through with Venetian because it is hard to even type it… -Although Venice will be the star and focus of this project, the tale will be told from multiple perspectives; that is, multiple nations/figures. -This project is image heavy. Dial-up users have been warned. All major ‘reports’ will be contained in spoiler tags/boxes to avoid immediate potential page breaks. To begin, some ground rules, notes, and objectives: I. Venice will act halfway between a puppet state and an independent one. At the start, the Republic is allied with Italy, and its acceptance is guaranteed by Italy. I have also rewired some events (i.e. the Annexation of Albania and Greece, Ethiopia) to ensure the Republic goes along for the ride. II. I reserve the right to attack Italy on my own terms. I have done this through creating an event that will allow me to declare war regardless of any diplomatic stances beforehand. III. Venice starts off with a significantly weaker force than Italy. However, the city of Venice itself is so fortified that it can be considered part of the Maginot line. Also, the region of Vèneto itself has been modified to be relatively rich in resources. Venice starts with the same technological advancements as the United Kingdom, save for advanced industrial efficiency and production technology (Level 5 for both). All of this will not only give the small state a fighting chance, but will also…keep things interesting. IV. Venice will start and stay neutral, and then join the Allies when the time is right. Strict neutrality outside of following Italy for the first few years. V. Only cheat to be used will be removing fog of war. No need to reduce neutrality as WWII will come soon enough.

Table of Contents

-Introduction -Partàgio I: The Year of Thinking -Partàgio II: Memo -Partàgio III: Five Men and a Typewriter -Partàgio IV: A Letter -Partàgio VI: The Beefeater -Partàgio VII: München -Partàgio VIII: The Plan -Partàgio IX: Intel

[Cuahtemoc]

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Republic

What was playing.

@cclnply: Simply put, thanks!

[ccllnply]

Wow, very much looking forward to this. I love AARs that have a bit of ahistorical modding in them. Something totally different. Also, your premise was an interesting read. You clearly know a lot about the history of Venice, and how to re-write it. I was especially excited about this lines though:

-There will be music associated with each post, so notice that!

I love this. I've always thought about doing an AAR where the reader has music to set the tone as they read.

-Format will range from history textbook style to dialogue to letters…the possibilities are endless because that is how I do things like this.

-Although Venice will be the star and focus of this project, the tale will be told from multiple perspectives; that is, multiple nations/figures.

I'm really looking forward to this as well. It opens up so many different possibilities for writing style so it should keep things interesting .

I haven't played HoI3 but I used to play HoI2 a lot so I'm curious to see how you'll hold off both Germany and Italy, and also how Venice being involved will reshape the war.

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO I: THE YEAR OF THINKING

Initial Moves

What was playing. Venice was militarily secure. Defensively. Its forces could hold of a siege for a year or more prior to capitulating entirely. Plans were laid out to increase the size of Venice's land forces and defences. The Doxe's ultimate future plan was to turn Veneto into a kind of national redoubt. A fortress was built in Belun to not only defend it from northern attacks, but to also help the local defense should uprisings start. One of the many outcrops of Venice's defences: Where the military stands: The doxe knew that something had to be done to secure Venice's position as a bulwark against what was to become the Axis powers. Venice quietly began to undertake the process of aligning itself politically to the Allies...without upsetting Rome in the process. Furthermore, the military desperately needed an overhaul, and began by creating three reserve divisions of supported infantry alongside existing ones. All these men hail from their respective districts of Venice for which their division is named. Furthermore, nationalized industries were created in co-operation with some investors and the private sector (in true Venetian tradition). Much work had to be done to improve what would become the Venetian war economy. Research went ahead at relatively breakneck speed due to the fact that Venetian technology was on-par with that of the British and Americans at the time. Plans for Alpini divisions were already being laid that summer. Three regular reserve divisions were deployed in September. "Cui, facciamo gli automobili. Anche, possiamo fare i...come si chiama-« carri armati », come vuole, mio doxe." "Grazie Enzo, ma la repubblica non ha bisogno di questi per il momento. Certo, ci parlaremo in futuro!" "Here, we make cars. Also, we make...how do you call them-"tanks", if you wish, Doxe." "Thanks Enzo, but the republic has no need of your services for now. Certainly, we will speak again soon!" Needless to say, the maker of what would become the world's finest cars would be disappointed for the first time since moving his factory to Ferara. That will change soon. The Council of Ten was solidly loyal to the Doxe and the republic, although one minister had become rather tyrannical as of late... He was quietly promoted to another position of worthless value (that is, he was 'kicked upstairs') and replaced with a more objective, less overzealous security minister.

War

What was playing. Just three months after the year began, already the world was touched by war. Fascists and leftists of all kinds were tearing Spain apart. Italy and Japan also left the Naval Treaties. Mussolini personally gave Doxe Mocenigo a tour of the shipyards that were refitting the RM Andrea Doria...perhaps as a subtle show of force. At the outset, the nationalists appear destined to take over the the Republic, if not even all of Iberia itself. Of course, the powers that be would not let that happen. The Council of Ten was approached by delegates from Rome to contribute to the nationalist cause. The Doxe politely refused (with much feinted resent), stating that "the Republic needed to focus on its own re-armament program to face the tyranny that the Spaniards were fighting." Rome fell for a rather small ruse. In true Machiavellian spirit, the Council of Ten secretly decided to send the divisions in training in Veneto to Spain...mostly disguised as farmers in the north Italian countryside. France had secretly agreed to set up dropsites around Marseilles where arms and uniforms were paradropped. After crossing the French border, the men were assembled and placed under the command of British generals as British units. That way, no one, especially Rome, would suspect Venice would have a hand in undermining fascists in Spain. Spain at the outset of civil war: The same, 4 months later: While fascism was defeated in Spain, it gained a foothold in Africa as Italy made short work of Abyssinia just before the civil war began...unfortunately, the Republic could not intervene. Fascism also strengthens its chokehold on northern China somewhat as the Japanese form yet a second puppet state-the country of Mengjiang. When Germany proposed the Anti-Comintern pact, the three strongest right-wing countries signed immediately after it's proposal. Hungary, along with about a dozen small countries followed suit in October. Venice's rather unusual legal status as a pseudo-nation allowed it to maintain peaceful, separate relations with the Communist powers. Tension mounts.

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO II: MEMO

"Your memo from the Chiefs, Doxe."
"I know this is a top secret document, but I wish they would at least date it..."

Memo

What was playing. "I ought to have the chiefs take lessons in bureaucratic skills. Either someone has tampered with the documents or the chiefs forget when to change the page..."

[Latin Knight]

Awesome and interesting idea! I recently fell in love with Paradox Interactive, and have yet to play Hearts of Iron, but already blew EU3/Rome, Vicky 2 and CK2.

I've had the opportunity of seeing weird screenshots in other forums - Ryukyu dominating the entire world in EU3, Babylon in Victoria 2, the worst one was actually in HoI3 as well, and it was even more bizarre than your scenario, for it was a modded Italy transformed into S.P.Q.R. (ancient Roman Republic), all with red colors, and historical staff of ministers (the Chief of the Army was Publius Q. Varrus of Teutoburg forest fame ).

Now i see Venetian Air Force, and my mind blows .

Keep going, i'm looking foward for more.

[Grimecraft]

This looks interesting, i usually find HoI AAR's quite dull or short lived but this seems to be promising

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO III: FIVE MEN AND A TYPEWRITER

"Gentlemen, this meeting is too important to postpone. I expect three carbon copies of what will be said."

Transcript

What was playing.

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO IV: A LETTER

A Letter

What was playing. Two days later: “Doxe, I would like to report that the rebellions have been completely quashed with the aid of Italian forces. Mussolini sends his ‘utmost thanks’.” “Because we quashed most of them. Quite. Fascist propaganda is one thing, but that nonsense coming from Germany is even worse. What it turns the minds of men and women into…terrible. I hope Benito realises the German menace, considering how gray the line is between fascism and national socialism. By the way, I know it may be too late for it now, but could you please give me the map of rebel forces on the first day of the uprising? I need it for records.” “Yes, Doxe.”

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO V: INTERMISSION

Intermission

What was playing. Unfortunately, I have become a bit busy as of late, so here is some stuff to carry you readers over until tomorrow. I realised only yesterday that I didn't modify the UI in my mod, and that I had a very un-Venicey khaki colored AI. So, I corrected that. The information bar up top: Non-map UI background: How it all works out in-game: Some of the cleverly edited propaganda posters that constitute the background poster. Compare them to their originals, if you can. I've turned the two fascist ones on their heads, message-wise... Original Original Original Original

[Grimecraft]

lovely artwork- I saved them all to my PC

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO VI: THE BEEFEATER

“Morning papers, Prime Minister.”

Papers

What was playing. THE BEEFEATER “Doge Launches Battleship, Predicts War, Plans Carrier” Robert Borset Italian Correspondent Venetians rejoiced today as the Venetian Navy adds a battleship to its fleet. Doge Girolamo Mocenigo personally christened the MV Marco Polo on its launching yesterday in the L’Arsenale district in Venice. “Today is the first of many days that our great Republic begins to secure not only itself, but also its future,” declared Mocenigo in his speech following the ceremony. “The future is bleak, and it is not wise to rest on our laurels in the hope of peace in our time.” In his speech, the Doge warned of war coming from the “extreme reactionary governments” of Germany, the Soviet Union, and perhaps even his own Italy. These governments were implied, but not mentioned by name. “As the old adage goes, ‘si vis pacem, para bellum’-if you want peace, prepare for war. The gift of Venetian republicanism handed to us not even a century ago must be preserved. We must not only live by it, but also stand by it, defend it, fight for it, and die for it,” he continued. The construction of MV Marco Polo is just a small part of Venice’s re-armament programme, whose objective is to strengthen the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Venetian armed forces. Some governments, particularly Germany’s, have criticized Mocenigo for developing the Republic’s armed forces on his government’s prerogative. Benito Mussolini however, defended Mocenigo’s actions as crucial to the defence of Italy as a whole, and that Italy and the Republic have legal responsibilities to legally defend each other in times of war. Mussolini declined to comment on Venice’s choice not to join Italy’s conquest of Ethiopia last year. “Today I can say with absolute certainty that I am beyond proud of the navy which I so gladly served only 25 years ago,” he remarked. “I actually envy the people who crew this ship, especially its commander.” Following the christening of MV Marco Polo, Mocenigo confirmed rumors that were circulating among intelligence communities for about half a year: “I am also very pleased to announce today that the Republic will be building its very first aircraft carrier-the MV Adriatico. It is not only the first aircraft carrier of its kind, but also the Republic’s first independently-designed ship,” he declared. “It will not only make an excellent tactical addition to our fleet, but its planes will also make an important addition to our fledgling air force.” Mocenigo went on to describe what he described as the ‘cutting-edge technology’ of the planned carrier, such as its fuel efficiency standards, a range superior to most carriers, and superior radar capabilities. Following the speech, few truly pressing questions were asked, save for one from German reporter: “Sir, an independent source has stated that a large steel mock-up of a ship was being built in your shipyard at the same time the Marco Polo was being built. Can you explain this?” After a slight pause, Mocenigo replied that it was for target practice for the Republic’s navy, and that it could not afford to use Great War vessels as targets, stating that they were necessary to maintain the Republic’s naval capabilities. The Venetian Navy currently consists of three battleships, five cruisers, and twenty destroyers. Despite it’s relatively small size, it claims to boast some of the greatest naval technology in the world today. “Bloody hell, that man is going to set Europe aflame. By Jove-I wish we forced them to sign the Treaties back in ’22. Why in God’s name would he build a mock-up explicitly for target practice…?”

@Grimecraft: Hope you enjoy looking at them as I enjoyed editing them.
I'd also enjoy hearing the fascist artists turn in their graves because I made these

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO VII: MÜNCHEN

Emergency Meeting

What was playing. “We have sent our Dominion Day commendations to the Canadian ambassador this morning, Zuan.” “Thank you, Piero. Any news lately? “ “Not any at moment signore Tarvixio, but-“ Suddenly the PA rang out in a crystal clear, harsh voice. It was the Doge. “All ministers to my office. ÓRA! NOW!” “Piero, you can tell me what it was we go to the office.” ---- “Doge, it beseeches me to report that-“ “Zuan, knowing my uncanny knack for knowing what someone says before they say it…I probably know what you will be going to say. Why not let the BBC tell us.” “…for all our listeners who are just tuning in, this is Guglielmo Joyce of the BBC Venetian Service. As of an hour ago, an agreement allowing the annexation of the Sudetenland by Germany was signed between the powers of Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in Munich. The agreement was hammered out to prevent war with Germany over territorial claims on Czechoslovakia. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain was heard to declare that there would be ‘peace in our time’ as a result of what he described as ‘a temporary concession for a peaceful generation’. Here is a translation of Adolf Hitler’s speech following the agreement…” Doge Mocenigo subsequently turned off the radio. “I can’t think with that buffone (idiot) speaking. His Anti-Semitism is enough to make me meshugge,” growled the Doge. “You’re not alone. We all think he is,” stated de Zara. “What will we do? My God, we are inching closer to war…” “As Chief of Staff, would you like me to put our troops on high alert, Doxe?” “No Luigi. I want all training sessions doubled immediately for all forces. Mafeo, I want the Army to stand ready for anything. Ancelotti, I will speak with you later. Galaxio, try and arrange some joint exercises with Italian Air Chief of Staff Piccio. Knowing his subtle anti-fascist ideals, I think he will understand the need for mutual co-operations.” “Girolamo, what do you have in mind for my few flyboys?” “Reconnaisance, Francesco. Surveying what was the Austrian border for troop movement, fortifications, everything.” “Ferrucio, Emilio, I want surveillance efforts doubled immediately until further notice. Liaise with me regularly.” “But Doxe, we’ve been doing that since…” “Then double those efforts! Emilio Soranzo, did I not nominate you for your resourcefulness?” “Yes, Doxe.” “Gentlemen, to your duties. Alberto, Ivanoe, stay here.” The seven other cabinet members left the room briefly. ----- “Luigi, I wish this job were not so onerous on us as the Doxe makes it,” Soranzo mumbles. “Once we join the Allies formally Emilio, everything will become much easier,” replied Galaxio. “Gentlemen, we would be caught between the buffone in Rome and the maniac in Berlin,” groaned Ancelotti. Suddenly, he stopped and gasped. “Emilio, knowing you since military college, I know you’re about to come up with something fabulous,” remarked Pizzamano. “Luigi, save your praise…Now, what if we eliminated the buffone to begin with?” grinned Ancelotti. ----- “Doxe, I will tell signore Ferrari to ramp up production immediately,” de Gilioli stated. “Va bene (excellent). Ivanoe, being the hero of Vittorio Veneto, tell me how one destroys the Italian Army.” “Very eagerly, Doxe…”

[Cuahtemoc]

Sorry for the delay; an update will come tomorrow!

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO VIII: THE PLAN

The Plan

What was playing. To save on time, allow me to say that both Prime Minister de Zara and General Ancelotti are thinking of the same thing. --------------------------- The plan is as follows: LAND OFFENSE: The objective of this plan is to take the whole peninsula in a single stroke, possibly over a week; a month maximum. The reason for this is not only to prevent Italian forces from marshaling a strong defense, but also our small navy can only prevent the Italian fleet from reaching Ethiopia through the Suez to bring the majority of its forces back to Italy. As one can see, the fools of the Comando Superiore (Italian High Command) have left most of their forces in Ethiopia, leaving the Peninsula largely weakened. What makes a swift decapitation of Italy more imperative is the fact that our forces are severely outnumbered, even with the majority of Italian forces stationed in Ethiopia. To this end, our few forces will be tasked with storming and occupying as many major cities as possible before the Italian military can mount an effective response. There are a number of advantages to this plan: We will have a number of advantages: -Surprise: By using our pseudo-alliance with Italy, we will not only be able to mobilize our forces without raising any suspicion towards us from anyone, (except possibly the Germans and Yugoslavs) but also we will be able to station our troops in major cities across Italy prior to the execution of this plan to maximize chances of success and minimize casualties. Intelligence reports that most, if not all of the Italian divisions are reserve units. This leads to the next advantageous factor: -Technology: Technology in all areas of warfare is well ahead compared to that of the Italians. Intelligence indicates that our weapons capabilities are about four years ahead in terms of development compared to the Italians. Although armoured fighting vehicle research is mutually on par, intelligence also indicates that all of Italy’s armoured units are stationed in Ethiopia at the present moment, meaning the sole thing our tanks need fear are the Italian’s limited anti-tank capabilities. Mussolini admires the technological capability of our troops. He should also fear it. Because of our technological superiority over the Italian forces, one of our brigades fully manned can fight off two, perhaps even three of their brigades, establishing a strength ratio of at least one to two. This will make up for, if not even eliminate completely our lack of strength compared to the Italians. -Shock: Aside from the large size of our divisions, our motorized brigades are complimented with armored units. Not only will this allow our divisions to attack with greater speed, but it will also allow them to benefit of combined arms tactics. At the moment, a garrison is currently on its way to Firenze to take the city the moment we call war. Two armored divisions are currently heading to Rome and Naples to take those to respective cities. Because of their distance from Veneto, they will be both supplemented with infantry divisions. Three divisions, two infantry and one armoured, are planned to be stationed between Milan and Genoa. They will take those two cities, and also destroy the 1st Army Headquarters there, creating disorganization. One infantry division will take Trieste from the Italian reserve division that stands there. An armored division will be stationed in Palermo. Finally, one division of marines will take Cagliari, possibly by amphibious assault. LAND DEFENCE: To make up for our lack of frontier defenses east of Venice, a large garrison will be posted in the city, which already is a fortress of its own. Divisions of mountain troops will be deployed immediately west of Veneto in Italian territory to serve as a defensive force capable of going on the offensive in the north. It is also the first line of defense should there be an Italian attack coming from the West of Veneto. All regions in Veneto are heavily fortified. In the (hopefully) unlikely event that the offensive should fail-or that the Italians make a direct attack on the province-garrisons of local militias will be stationed in every region. As aforementioned, the largest garrison will be stationed in Venice. In the event that the Germans should possibly intervene, Belun will be stationed with a relatively large garrison. NAVAL OFFENSE: Our small navy will block the Red Sea to prevent the Italian transport fleets from reaching the port city of Edd. Effectively, this will force the Italians to go around Africa to reach their port city of Mogadishu. This will indefinitely (in terms of the operation timeframe) prevent the Italian forces stationed in Ethiopia from reinforcing the Italian Peninsula. This will be the lynchpin of our operation. Without the stalling of the forces in Ethiopia, the whole plan falls through. NAVAL OFFENSE: None at this time. AIR OFFENSE: None at this time. AIR DEFENSE: Air units stationed at Vicensa will provide air cover for our ground troops.

[Latin Knight]

Very interesting! This story is getting flight right on the start, i see. A full-scale war against Italy, i was actually surprised you intend to send armies all the way across the peninsula to take Sicily and an attack in Sardinia, all in the course of a month .

You can't strand the bigger part of the Italian military in Africa forever, though. When they return, even if you've already imposed your victory conditions, they will surely be thirsty for revenge.

I must praise your job with the screenshots, the effects are extremely well done, even if apparently simple. What impressed me the most was the "intermession chapter", the propaganda posters really convey the "wartime feel", so, kudos (and +rep) for that.

Continue the good work, friend!

[Cuahtemoc]

@Latin Knight: They will be stationed in or near the targets to ensure instant success. Not quite war with Italy yet, for a few reasons. First I have to wait for the Annexation of Albania, then when that happens, I go to war. See, because I was tired of having to write a chapter periodically and missing out on all the fun, I decided to duplicate the savegame file and play it when I was not writing chapters. Essentially, I would be playing an alternate history version of alternate history...My original game is stuck in March 11, 1939, because I happen to play rather fast in HOI3.

Really? If I block that port, the transport flotilla will have to go around the cape to reach Mogadishu, which is what they tried to do in my duplicate copy of the game. I....re-wire the game so Germany does not declare war on me when I destroy Italy.

When I play this duplicate game, it turns out to be REALLY ahistorical. The original plan was to go to war with Albania with Italy so Venice could annex it first. Problem is, King Zog cowardly accepts to be annexed...so I destroyed Italy by keeping their forces in Ethiopia, and stranding them there. Essentially, the plan works. Whats more, minor skirmishes between the Soviets and Japanese blow up into a full scale war. When I eventually annex Germany in 1940, the Soviets send all their some 198464865132 divisions to Asia, causing havoc on my computer. It's now 1942, and I'm at war (along with the Allies) with Portugal and all of China. The Soviets are bogged down in Asia against the Japanese, and the game is going VERY slowly now, even at maximum simulation speed.

Of course, I hope the real game actually turns out like that. It would be very interesting...

[Latin Knight]

@Latin Knight: They will be stationed in or near the targets to ensure instant success. Not quite war with Italy yet, for a few reasons. First I have to wait for the Annexation of Albania, then when that happens, I go to war. See, because I was tired of having to write a chapter periodically and missing out on all the fun, I decided to duplicate the savegame file and play it when I was not writing chapters. Essentially, I would be playing an alternate history version of alternate history...My original game is stuck in March 11, 1939, because I happen to play rather fast in HOI3.

Really? If I block that port, the transport flotilla will have to go around the cape to reach Mogadishu, which is what they tried to do in my duplicate copy of the game. I....re-wire the game so Germany does not declare war on me when I destroy Italy.

When I play this duplicate game, it turns out to be REALLY ahistorical. The original plan was to go to war with Albania with Italy so Venice could annex it first. Problem is, King Zog cowardly accepts to be annexed...so I destroyed Italy by keeping their forces in Ethiopia, and stranding them there. Essentially, the plan works. Whats more, minor skirmishes between the Soviets and Japanese blow up into a full scale war. When I eventually annex Germany in 1940, the Soviets send all their some 198464865132 divisions to Asia, causing havoc on my computer. It's now 1942, and I'm at war (along with the Allies) with Portugal and all of China. The Soviets are bogged down in Asia against the Japanese, and the game is going VERY slowly now, even at maximum simulation speed.

Of course, I hope the real game actually turns out like that. It would be very interesting...

Not sure if i followed it right... you were talking about Ethiopia and Albania, and then you annexed Germany in the start of WW2

You really could make an AAR about the duplicate savegame , that would be awesome.

[bratignat]

Venice is ruling the world behind the curtains! Well, despite the fact that in this period the only one curtains remains in good old Venice. Great AAR.

[Cuahtemoc]

PARTÀGIO IX: INTEL

"From intelligence, Doxe."
"Emilio, if you typed this personally, why in God's name did you have to address it and still hand it to me...? Also, why must you keep signing your letters with my only felt-tip pen?!"

The Plan

What was playing.

I apologize for the lack of updates, but of course real life calls often!

@LatinKnight: It's possible
@bratignat: Thanks!