I'm at a crossroads here... hoping for some wise advice (No its not about buying, or frustration with the game)

[raistlinmajere8]

Okay, I'm at a serious crossroad here with my British Campaign.

Here's a picture to illustrate the situation for you:





From the beginning, UP, Sweden and I teamed up and decided to take over Europe for ourselves. As you can see, I, the British, was charged with taking over France, Spain and the Italian Provinces. Sweden took over Russia and most of Austria, whilst UP was actually eliminated by Austria, and then reappeared due to rebellion and began to thrive. After UP's reemergence, they quickly became the 3rd power in Europe and quickly entered into Sweden and mine's Alliance. Okay so we're in this alliance for quite a while, prospering and growing while at the same time whipping out the remaining independant states, and a very stubborn Spain in Northern Italy. After this is done, Sweden quickly become angsty, and I fear that she may declare war on me, seeking to become the dominant power in Europe.

I was so afraid in fact that I decided to throw Sweden some money, and a useless territory in America. So, apparently that worked, and now Sweden has declared war on UP. I'm sitting here, still allied to Sweden and UP, deciding who to back in this war.

I am slightly leaning towards the little guy.... and helping UP because I think, together, we could beat Sweden but that would be a hard, hard fight that I don't know if my very heavily trade based economy could handle right now. Most I can field is about 7 stacks of land armies and about the same with fleets.

I don't know who to side with, hence the posting of this thread so hopefully someone has some advice.


Here's some other political stuff if anyone wants it. Ottomans are Allied with Sweden only, and currently Ottomans are engaged in a bloody war with the immensely rich Maratha Confederacy who just happens to be my staunch ally from day one. (Yea, I'm Britain and I sold away my territory in India, Oh well)

So either this World War will be Great Britain/United Provinces/Maratha Confederacy VS. Sweden/Ottomans OR it could be Great Britain/Sweden/Maratha VS. UP

But eventually most likely I WILL have to fight Sweden at some point, so thats why I'm thinking having UP around to help with their 12 stacks of land armies might be a good thing.


tl;dr I know but hopefully someone does and has good advice.

Cheers!

Oh and might want to mention that I am playing with the TAR mod. (The American Revolution) It starts with the historical positions of 1783, and I also have a turns editor mod that I have set to 10 turns per year.

OH and right now the United States is basically neutral. I have a trade agreement with them, I think I am the only one out of the European powers too. They hate me however, because I basically just sent 4 full stacks of my best men their to wreak havoc out of boredom. I wasn't at war with anyone before them, and the rest of Europe was locked in a bloody battle that I was basically just not a part of. So yea, they definitely still hate me for that.... This was some years ago though, like 5 years sooo about fifty turns.

[Henry707]

(Written from the point of view of one of you government advisors)

Sir,

Your rule has been truly just & good for GB - we prosper everywhere & have allies across the world.

However, I see your dilemma on recent events. On our world map both UP & Sweden have some tasty provinces but we need to keep the peace for trade - there is much pressure from Merhants to keep the lanes open - an ocean war would be a disaster for us.

I lean towards war with Sweden in support of your allies but cannot stand the thought of a massive land war across the Swedish territories which look to go deep into Russia. The British public would not fund or support several stacks battling across the snow - the cost would be immense.

Can we stay neutral? Can we take the middle path? If not, & providing the Swedish Fleet can be bottled up, I say war in support of our old ally UP but limited land involvement, avoiding the Russian mainland.

But be sure the war is limited & trade is maintained - I believe the public would tolerate no more than 2 stacks of troops for a campaign.

Your advisor

Henri

[raistlinmajere8]

Originally Posted by Henry707

(Written from the point of view of one of you government advisors)

Sir,

Your rule has been truly just & good for GB - we prosper everywhere & have allies across the world.

However, I see your dilemma on recent events. On our world map both UP & Sweden have some tasty provinces but we need to keep the peace for trade - there is much pressure from Merhants to keep the lanes open - an ocean war would be a disaster for us.

I lean towards war with Sweden in support of your allies but cannot stand the thought of a massive land war across the Swedish territories which look to go deep into Russia. The British public would not fund or support several stacks battling across the snow - the cost would be immense.

Can we stay neutral? Can we take the middle path? If not, & providing the Swedish Fleet can be bottled up, I say war in support of our old ally UP but limited land involvement, avoiding the Russian mainland.

But be sure the war is limited & trade is maintained - I believe the public would tolerate no more than 2 stacks of troops for a campaign.

Your advisor

Henri

OH man genius move to take the RP approach haha. That was perfect!


But anyways I do agree with you, almost wholeheartedly. A campaign deep into Swede Russian holdings would be mostly disastrous, even with metaled roads everywhere. However, the Swedish Navy will be a beast to overcome, but I have been steadily building up my fleet to match her gigantic armada. It still will be a tricky thing to overcome, but with careful "chess" like planning on the campaign map, I believe its possible.

When I was fighting the US, I completely paralyzed their economy by raiding every single one of their trade routes, after incapacitating their navy of course. Theoretically I COULD do the same thing with Sweden. Their two major trade veins run through the straits of Gibraltar, and the English channel. I could easily use those two points to paralyze the Swedish economy as well.

Their American Provinces don't even stand a chance.....

If the US decides to enter the war, and on the side of the Swedes, that could be bad. My Navy will surely be busy in Europe, and I could definitely not stand to have the two navies fighting me.

The Ottomans shouldn't be a problem, even this late in the game their Navies are no match for my Ships of the Line. Plus, the Ottomans are fairly busy with the Marathan Confederacy. Although, even though they seem to be the most powerful, they haven't faired well against the Ottomans

[Henry707]

Sir,

No one wants to see our brave soldiers at war deep in Russian lands - your government would surely fall. My trade contacts have emphasised the importance of routes through the Ottoman Empire & that these should not become paralysed.

No one wants war with the US but with Sweden occupied in Europe, may the Swedish colonies be a tempting prospect for us?

Our real fear is the Swedish fleet - to be sure we demand to know their status - could we blockade them in the Baltic? - if one sixth rate breaks out it could cause havoc in the trade lanes. Rumours are of second rates & more - local newspapers are already running scare articles about Swedish floats setting light to Newcastle harbour - we demand assurance that this will not happen.

We lobby for gifts to the US Republic to keep them on side. A war against the Swedes, Ottomans & the US & you will surely be voted out.

We are pleased that a land war in Russia is out of the question, our merchants lobby for trade routes not masses of land. Also, we are very aware of the costs - the country will never fund an endless war. In turns of government reserves, what number of florins are currently in the treasury?

Henri
MP for Mennington South, Dunny & the Wold, Norfolk.

[Carpe Veritas]

I wont decide which to attack for you but I would advise this - prepare your attack well and make it decisive.

If you are going to attack Sweden, prepare your stacks for a full naval invasion of all of the West baltic. Once you control the mouth to the baltic blockading their trade and containing their fleets will be infinitely easier thus giving you a massive strategic advantage. If this can be capitalised with sinking their fleet at the same time the more the better. But beware for the Marathans will show up soon....

If you decide to attack UP wait untill their stacks are away from their cities and engaged, and you are fully prepared then again mass rush. They will have to place you under costly very easy to defend sieges if they want their territories back and wont be able to reinforce due to crippling upkeep and lack of production facilities.

[hobopunk]

I strongly advise you to fight on the side of UP, as if you dont, Sweden will swallow up the Dutch lands and you will be faced with a bigger problem than before. Help UP, though you dont have to destroy Sweden, just the acquisition of Germany will gravely weaken the Swedes.

Though I should say, as Britain, you should have prevented the creation of a pan-European superpower...

[rubenandthejets]

Kill Sweden. Then kill the MAHARATHAS.

[RO Citizen]

I suggest you should go for the most powerful, Sweden. If you let them kick UP, then they'll become even more powerful and you'll can't evite war then. Also take the African Coast and then, when you'll have the Ottomans at your hand, make a blitz war on many fronts to destroy the Turks

[General_Meevious]

I would destroy UP, as it looks more convenient and you have every right to hate them - due to their horrendously shared borders. If you attack Sweden, you will have to delve very deep into what was once Russia - it would be a long war and reinforcing armies from both continental superpowers (clearly Sweden and the Ottomans) would rain down upon your invasion hard and fast. If you believe that the UP would lend assistance in your war on Sweden, you are kidding yourself. If you think UP would stand bye you as you claim the territorial enormity of the Swedish Empire, I believe you're mistaken; take a couple of regions near to them and they will make war upon your lands. Best to bridge the land gap between your nemesis and yourself by removing the UP threat than entrenching yourself in a distant and endless war from all sides.

[raistlinmajere8]

Alright here's what has happened so far.....

I decided to declare war on Sweden. My ally Maratha, who has like +180 friendship towards me, refused to enter into the war with Sweden with me. Disappointing.... and potentially disastrous. They are still fighting the Ottomans... but they aren't helping me with Sweden.

Its only been one turn, but I'm already scared/maybe screwed. I took out one of their fleets right off the bat, and I have one massive fleet consisting of all First Rates building as we speak. And all of my fleets around the world are returning home to prepare for the massive Naval battles. I'm also training massive amounts of line infantry as well. This promises to be an extremely rough campaign, and I might already be a tad overstretched.

I gave America the most expensive state gift, but they are still shown as Hostile towards me. And they've even sent two fleets into Europe with some sort of Boarding forces. I'm not sure where they are headed yet.... but it worries me. America entering this war on any other side besides my own will be completely bad.... and if that happens I probably will reload to the save before I declared war on Sweden.

So yea.... We'll see how this progresses over the next couple of turns..

[Killerflood]

Good luck!

[Skyline Pete]

The first thing I do before deciding who to go to war with is checking who gives me the most trade.

[raistlinmajere8]

Well.... I'm not too worried anymore. I've successfully gained Naval superiority over the Swedish. It was tough, let me tell you. I lost my most prized fleet, all of whom who had been with me since the very beginning of my campaign. It was sad indeed, but my next prized fleet, led by none other than Lord Horatio Nelson finally defeated the last Swedish Fleet.

That was a battle let me tell you. The Swedish had the fleet entirely compromised of Second Rates, whilst mine was 5 First Rates 3 Second Rates and 2 Third Rates.

But yea, that is all I have done as of yet. I've been slowly building up my Land Forces, and am now prepared to engage them. That will be the toughest part, as they have about 20 stacks of Armies roving about Germany.

I really don't know how to proceed from here, I've basically paralyzed them and their economy (I hope) now all that is left is to actual Defeat them.


How do I go about putting down this enormous Faction?


Oh and I'm basically economically sound at this point, my Army and Naval expenditures are 100,000 and 40,000 respectively. Yet, somehow, I am managing to pull down 20,000 per turn. Whatever I have done, I managed to create an extremely sound economy. Yaya!!!

[Mohamed612]

Originally Posted by raistlinmajere8

Okay, I'm at a serious crossroad here with my British Campaign.

Here's a picture to illustrate the situation for you:





From the beginning, UP, Sweden and I teamed up and decided to take over Europe for ourselves. As you can see, I, the British, was charged with taking over France, Spain and the Italian Provinces. Sweden took over Russia and most of Austria, whilst UP was actually eliminated by Austria, and then reappeared due to rebellion and began to thrive. After UP's reemergence, they quickly became the 3rd power in Europe and quickly entered into Sweden and mine's Alliance. Okay so we're in this alliance for quite a while, prospering and growing while at the same time whipping out the remaining independant states, and a very stubborn Spain in Northern Italy. After this is done, Sweden quickly become angsty, and I fear that she may declare war on me, seeking to become the dominant power in Europe.

I was so afraid in fact that I decided to throw Sweden some money, and a useless territory in America. So, apparently that worked, and now Sweden has declared war on UP. I'm sitting here, still allied to Sweden and UP, deciding who to back in this war.

I am slightly leaning towards the little guy.... and helping UP because I think, together, we could beat Sweden but that would be a hard, hard fight that I don't know if my very heavily trade based economy could handle right now. Most I can field is about 7 stacks of land armies and about the same with fleets.

I don't know who to side with, hence the posting of this thread so hopefully someone has some advice.


Here's some other political stuff if anyone wants it. Ottomans are Allied with Sweden only, and currently Ottomans are engaged in a bloody war with the immensely rich Maratha Confederacy who just happens to be my staunch ally from day one. (Yea, I'm Britain and I sold away my territory in India, Oh well)

So either this World War will be Great Britain/United Provinces/Maratha Confederacy VS. Sweden/Ottomans OR it could be Great Britain/Sweden/Maratha VS. UP

But eventually most likely I WILL have to fight Sweden at some point, so thats why I'm thinking having UP around to help with their 12 stacks of land armies might be a good thing.


tl;dr I know but hopefully someone does and has good advice.

Cheers!

Oh and might want to mention that I am playing with the TAR mod. (The American Revolution) It starts with the historical positions of 1783, and I also have a turns editor mod that I have set to 10 turns per year.

OH and right now the United States is basically neutral. I have a trade agreement with them, I think I am the only one out of the European powers too. They hate me however, because I basically just sent 4 full stacks of my best men their to wreak havoc out of boredom. I wasn't at war with anyone before them, and the rest of Europe was locked in a bloody battle that I was basically just not a part of. So yea, they definitely still hate me for that.... This was some years ago though, like 5 years sooo about fifty turns.

What difficulty are you playing on?

[raistlinmajere8]

Hard/Hard haha

[Mohamed612]

Sweet, that explains it.

I would personally go for UP, for the reason that if you stick with them until the end, they can easily become the richest faction with huge amounts of profit to be made. They'll help protect your naval empire since they're so spread out; giving them Sweden in a war is excellent, as they'll have an excellent, isolated place which can easily be defended (by either you or them), and leaves plenty of room for them to expand into Russia or south, while at the same time giving them even more ground for a naval empire, with 5 ports. A war with them would end up being very nasty, however, in terms of naval combat.

^_^

Edit: Remember to A. have them give you military access, preferably indefinite and B. to try and not give them many trading partners or allies, as that means more money for you through trade.

[raistlinmajere8]

Right there's a picture to illustrate whats going down in Europe right now. As you can see Sweden has massive amounts of armies, and I only have 5 dedicated to this campaign, plus whatever UP has. We'll see what happens, its getting pretty awesome right now. Lots of epic battles and such, and the CAI is actually proving a challenge.

[THARN]

and who thinks this game is no good?... this is what most strategy game players relish.
You chose right in declaring war on Sweden- if you needed war- using UP as a land buffer-
keep your focus on naval power- and if the ottomans declare war on you because of the alliance with sweden- go for those lands first.

[raistlinmajere8]

Originally Posted by THARN

and who thinks this game is no good?... this is what most strategy game players relish.
You chose right in declaring war on Sweden- if you needed war- using UP as a land buffer-
keep your focus on naval power- and if the ottomans declare war on you because of the alliance with sweden- go for those lands first.

This game has its moments of brilliance, trust me. And with mods those chances are increased tenfold. This campaign right here is the most fun I've ever had in any TW game, and I've played from the beginning. I mean its just awesome!! haha.

(there are still downsides though, most of the time my BAI doesn't do too bad, but lately, like three battles in a a row, they have just charged me straight up melee. Stupid....... And in one huge battle, the Swedish General charged straight at my 3 Line thick mass of men.... Alone. Needless to say that battle was over quick with their general killed right off.)

As to your post, I already am at war with the Ottomans, but I have not moved on any of their territories mainly because of my ally, the Maratha Confederacy. I'm pretty close with them, and they are at war with the Ottomans so I was just gonna leave it up to them to take the Ottomans out.

We'll see though, I need Cairo to win through the Victory Conditions so I'll probably end up mobilizing against them at some point.


OH and I didn't start this war, Sweden declared war on UP. So I had too decide between Ally's, and I chose UP.

[Centurion Legio IX Hispana]

OK, now it's the time my friend. Crush Sweden now, for a decisive victory. Don't let them reorganize. I love this game!