View Poll Results: Following the corruption of my save file, should I restart this AAR or should I try to resume where the story left off with a new game?

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  • Restart (New game and new story, still sticking with the American Monarchy concept)

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Thread: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - FINAL UPDATE 06 APRIL 2011

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  1. #1

    Default Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - FINAL UPDATE 06 APRIL 2011

    Hi everyone, I enjoy reading AARs so I decided to try my hand at one and give something back to this community.
    Before I start here's a few admin notes:

    • This is my first AAR so any comments and suggestions are welcome.
    • Campaign settings are Late Campaign, USA, 4 TPY, VH/H, Short Campaign (lasts until 1825)
    • This campaign was started with DMUC 2.8 as I didn't feel like updating at the time. (Lazy, I know) As the campaign progressed, events forced me to upgrade or abandon the AAR (more on that later.) Future installments will be in 2.9 provided my save survives the switch.
    • I was originally going to play a Great Britain Late Campaign as I can never get their special units to work in the early campaign. After reviewing their starting positions, however, they seemed too powerful for an interesting story. I eventually settled on the United States of America and, to add a further twist, I decided I would play as a constitutional monarchy. As a result of this, many events in the initial stages are semi-scripted (ie: I deliberately hindered myself) in order to make the transition as quickly as possible from republic to kingdom.
    • I don't intend to give a blow-by-blow of each and every building constructed or unit recruited though I will try mention those that seem significant. If anyone has questions about specific details, feel free to ask and I'll try to answer.

    Give Me Liberty or Give Me...........Monarchy?

    Introduction:

    The year 1783, to most Americans it was a year of great promise. Great Britain had just signed the Treaty of Paris recognizing the independence of the United States of America. In most communities across the former 13 Colonies, church bells rang and there was celebrating in the streets. Beneath the veneer of gaiety and jubilation, however, lurked the seeds of discontent. While the Continental Army had mostly managed to hold it's own against the British Army, it seemed to many (especially the soldiers) that it was in spite of the Continental Congress and various state legislatures rather than due to any significant contributions to the war effort by these bodies. The fact that many soldiers and sailors were still waiting for pay from a broke government only stoked resentment. General Washington's actions in formally returning the authority of Commander in Chief to Congress and resigning command helped alleviate some of the tension and prevented an immediate crisis. In the end, most decided to adopt a wait-and-see approach and give Congress a chance.

    Turns 1-5:
    Throughout the course of 1783 the United States focused on rebuilding it's economy and infrastructure following the war. The only action of military note was the construction of Fort Raleigh in the backwoods of the Carolinas as a hedge against any future conflicts with the Cherokee people further inland.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    In most of the country, all seemed well. In Philidelphia, however, a mysterious fire destroyed Independence Hall. While officially ruled an accident, the fire nonetheless damaged the prestige of the government and rumors of arson abounded. People openly wondered if a congress that couldn't safeguard its seat of government would be able to safeguard the country against foreign threats. They wouldn't have to wait long to find out.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    In the Spring of 1784, the peace was shattered as the British Empire declared war on the fledgling nation. Almost immediately, a raiding party consisting of 2 regiments of light infantry invaded Maine from Fort Nashwaak, in Canada. Leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, the raiding party made it to Brunswick before being intercepted by General Anthony Wayne and the garrison of Falmouth.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The battle that followed, fought appropriately enough under an overcast and gloomy sky, had political implications far above and beyond it's minuscule strategic value. A decisive victory might demonstrate that the country was in good hands while a defeat would vindicate the naysayers. A veteran of the previous war, General Wayne put the political factors out of his mind and focused on the task at hand. He wasn't particularly worried as he knew he had a numerical advantage as well as possessing both artillery and cavalry which his adversary lacked.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    He deployed his howitzers on his left flank on a small rise where they would have a good field of fire but should be out of the way. He had his rangers scout ahead of his minutemen for the enemy and kept his staff in reserve.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    As his force advanced, only one of the British units was in sight so it received the full attention of the Americans. Due to the deployment of stakes by the enemy, the general's staff looped around the right flank in search of the other half of the British force. Meanwhile, the rangers and minutemen double-timed to get in firing range of their foe.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The rangers took heavy casualties getting into position, losing over 20 of their number to the initial British volley. They soon returned the favor, however, as their first volley killed the enemy's commander as well as several other British soldiers. While this was going on, General Wayne discovered the rest of the enemy light infantry and prepared to execute a flank charge on them.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The second British volley was less effective than the first as it was spread over a wider area due to the arrival of the minutemen. The American response this time was too much for the British to take causing them to break and run.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    As the minutemen gave chase, the rangers moved up to support General Wayne's attack which had run into some heavy enemy fire.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    He managed to complete his flanking maneuver and charge despite having lost over a quarter of his bodyguard getting into position.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Though they were at a significant disadvantage to the heavy cavalry in melee combat, the British light infantry held their ground until the sight of the rangers waving their tomahawks as they charged persuaded them to run.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Not content with a mere victory, General Wayne ordered a full pursuit with the intent of killing or capturing the entire raiding party. It was in the chaos of the pursuit, unfortunately, that tragedy struck. The general was struck down by an enemy fueled by desperation.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    In the end, the Battle of Brunswick was a clear victory with American force largely intact and only 27 British soldiers escaping the carnage.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The propaganda value of the battle was tempered by the death of General Wayne. His demise would have long-reaching implications for the fate of the country. Given his aggressive command style, most historians agree that he would have followed up this victory with an attack on the severely depleted garrison at Fort Nashwaak which potentially would have given the Americans a bargaining chip to offer in exchange for peace.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Alas, it was not to be. His replacement, Timothy Sutton, was a cautious man and felt it more prudent to return to Falmouth to replenish the army's losses.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    That's all for now. I will hopefully have more up in the next few days. In the mean time, any advice and constructive criticism is most welcome.
    Last edited by Bregil; April 07, 2011 at 12:44 AM.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR

    Alright guys, here's the next installment.

    Still 1785
    After an initial upsurge in patriotic fervor following Wayne's victory at Brunswick, popular support began to plummet once again.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    This process was not helped by the perceived inaction of Wayne's successor, General Sutton. To be fair, Sutton was not merely sitting on his hands and was in fact quite busy retraining his men, requesting reinforcements from Boston, and supervising the construction of fortifications at Falmouth. The problem was that his defensive mindset combined with his unshakable belief that he was the underdog against the might of the British Empire conspired to focus on defending Falmouth to the exclusion of all else. This became especially evident when the British sent another raiding party into northern Maine. The initial remoteness of the raiders was sufficient to shield Sutton from excessive criticism as he claimed that moving his forces north would expose the populated centers in the south of Maine to enemy attacks.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Eventually, however, raiders made it to Brunswick and his excuse was gone. The fact that he was still unwilling to offer battle against what proved to be a significantly smaller enemy force within easy striking distance proved to be his undoing.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The diplomatic efforts of the government during this time also seemed a bit underwhelming as they signed trade agreements with Russia and the Maratha Confederacy. Critics were quick to point out that neither country was a likely ally against the British. When word of Sutton's inaction reached an already tense capital, rioting broke out in the streets. Monarchists, initially a minority among the population, were quick to point to Sutton as an example of the weakness of the current system of government and, for the first time, some people started to listen to them.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    In desperation, Congress sent Sutton a letter threatening to relieve him of command in the vain hope that it would spur him to action. Also, troops were ordered to Philadelphia to disperse the rioters but they were still a good ways off and it was feared that they might not arrive in time.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The opportunistic declaration of war by the Spanish was the final straw for the protesters.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    If even former allies perceived the US as easy pickings, it was clear to many people, especially the military, that Congress had to go. The Second American Revolution had begun!
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The backing of many of the wartime military leadership meant that the rebellion was well organized and featured well trained and disciplined troops. These included former marines led by Major Samuel Nicholas who came out of retirement for what he felt was the good of the country. Having been swiftly organized, the rebels marched on Philadelphia and faced down three regiments of militia that had been hurriedly pressed into service. Though outnumbered 2 to 1, the rebel commander, Ronald Vere was optimistic. He knew that the quality and discipline of his troops in addition to the combined arms nature of his force would do much to nullify the defender's advantage. The battle for Philadelphia had begun!
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Off Topic: Sorry to leave it hanging like this but I ran out of time for now. I'll try to upload the battle and aftermath tonight. In the meantime, it's a bit discouraging that this thread has 54 views but not a single reply. While I've mostly enjoyed it up to this point, I'm not sure that I want to keep writing this if it's only going to be for my benefit as this is a lot more work than I expected it to be. If you like it (or even if you hate it ) please consider posting something. Thanks for reading.



  3. #3
    Nosjack's Avatar Praepositus
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    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR

    Have yet to read it because of my schedule, but please continue, as the DM forums are in dire need when it comes to AAR's

    EDIT: Just read it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, maybe a few too many pictures, but your writing style suites me fine. Keep up to good work
    Last edited by Nosjack; March 24, 2011 at 10:31 PM.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR

    Thanks Nosjack. On the number of pictures, do you feel it's the campaign or battle side that has too many (or both?) I already have the screens for both this one and the next but I'll try to tone it down the numbers a bit in future installments. In the meantime, how do you like the cropping in this section? I've tried to reduce the wasted space of the pictures and cut out the UI for the battle scenes.

    The Battle of Philadelphia
    Once again, Americans were squaring up on opposite sides of a battlefield. This time, however, it wasn't Patriots against Tories (both sides likely considered themselves patriots) but Republicans and Monarchists. On the Republican side was about 900 militiamen facing a Monarchist force of almost 500 veterans of the Continental Army and Marines who had taken up arms again after being demobilized a year prior.

    Both sides seemingly reluctant to risk collateral damage in the town from the fighting, battle lines were drawn in a meadow on the East side of town.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    General Vere deployed his infantry across from the militia and placed his artillery on the flank where they would hopefully be clear of the fighting but still able to give supporting fire.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Under a new battle flag, proclaiming their motto of Exitus Actus Probat (the Ends Justify the Means,) the Monarchist infantry confidently advanced to face the opposing force.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    The republicans moved forward trying to get into musket range as the monarchist howitzers pounded them.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Once they got into range, however, they realized that the howitzers were actually a relatively minor threat as the entire monarchist line opened up with a single crashing volley, and another, and finally a third while the militia could only reply with one.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Under the murderous fire of both monarchist infantry and artillery, it wasn't long before some of the republicans decided to cut their losses and run.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    With their cavalry in full pursuit of the fleeing militia unit, the monarchist infantry turned it's attention to the remaining enemy force who also quickly decided that discretion was the better part of valor and fled.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    With the flight of two of the three militia regiments, the monarchists were left searching for the remaining one that was nowhere to be found. Evidently the republican commander had received word from a local citizen (who later turned out to be a monarchist sympathizer) that the monarchists had a force advancing on Philadelphia from the South as well as from the North. In response, he had detached one of his regiments to guard the southern approach against this non-existent threat. As a result, this remaining unit was vainly staring south while the rest of their force was routed from the field.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Having located the remaining republicans, the monarchists quickly closed in and attacked them from the rear quickly driving them from the field with a bayonet charge after the initial volley.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    In the aftermath, the members of Congress resigned and fled the city to avoid reprisals from the victorious monarchist forces. As a result, this relatively small battle, less that 1500 men on both sides combined, would have a lasting effect on not just Philadelphia but the entire country and, eventually perhaps, the world.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Last edited by Bregil; March 26, 2011 at 11:44 PM.

  5. #5
    Nosjack's Avatar Praepositus
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    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - Last Updated 26 MARCH 2011

    Thanks Nosjack. On the number of pictures, do you feel it's the campaign or battle side that has too many (or both?) I already have the screens for both this one and the next but I'll try to tone it down the numbers a bit in future installments. In the meantime, how do you like the cropping in this section? I've tried to reduce the wasted space of the pictures and cut out the UI for the battle scenes.
    Just a bit tiring looking at all the pics for the battles, but the cropping makes it much more enjoyable. I also liked how the covered up the "wall" bug during the battle

    Keep up to good work, I'm very interested in how this story goes.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - Last Updated 26 MARCH 2011

    Quote Originally Posted by Nosjack View Post
    Just a bit tiring looking at all the pics for the battles, but the cropping makes it much more enjoyable. I also liked how the covered up the "wall" bug during the battle

    Keep up to good work, I'm very interested in how this story goes.
    Thanks, I felt I needed to fabricate a semi-sensible reason for them to keep a third of their force guarding a random wall in the rear. Glad the cropping helps.

  7. #7
    Okmin's Avatar In vino veritas
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    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - Last Updated 26 MARCH 2011

    American monarchist revolution? This will be good

    And I like your wall explanation too
    IN VINO VERITAS
    IN CERVESIO FELICITAS

    Under the patronage of The Lizard King
    Patron of Narf
    and Starlightman

  8. #8

    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - Last Updated 26 MARCH 2011

    Quote Originally Posted by Okmin View Post
    American monarchist revolution? This will be good

    And I like your wall explanation too
    Thanks, there should be an update in the next few days. I just need to find the time to sit down and type it out.

  9. #9

    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - 04 APRIL 2011

    I'm afraid that I'm the bearer of bad news. Unfortunately, as I was trying to play more today to give you guys a decent update I discovered that I've been hit with a corrupted save game. I have the screen-shots for one more battle that I can upload but I'm wondering if it's worth it.

    Anyway, I don't want this AAR to die in only 3 game years so it's up to you readers to decide. Should I start everything over from scratch or should I do my best to play up to where it left off before and try to resume where I left off? In either case, I don't intend to change any of the settings. I see merits to both options so I'm going to leave it up to you guys. Please vote.

  10. #10
    Okmin's Avatar In vino veritas
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    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - 04 APRIL 2011

    Start over, 'cause I seriously doubt everything'll play out the same way. Still, looking forward to it
    IN VINO VERITAS
    IN CERVESIO FELICITAS

    Under the patronage of The Lizard King
    Patron of Narf
    and Starlightman

  11. #11
    Libertus
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    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - 04 APRIL 2011

    It is a good AAR. I like your writing style and your battle pictures.

    I would restart if I were you. That way you could post in the main AAR section for Empire total war.

    I would also try to include a bit of things like army organization, ranks, and the like. It helps the emmersion.

    And maybe Anthony Wayne won't get killed next time.
    Last edited by LongTom06; April 06, 2011 at 04:40 PM.

  12. #12

    Default Re: Liberty or Monarchy - An Alternative History DMUC AAR - 04 APRIL 2011

    Ok, looks like it's a restart. As I'm going to be following the same general course the beginning will probably sound very similar, hopefully without a turn 4 DoW by the British though. I'll see if I can get it up in the next couple days and, as LongTom suggests, it will be in the AAR forum though there will be a link here.

    Quote Originally Posted by LongTom06 View Post
    And maybe Anthony Wayne won't get killed next time.
    We can only hope. I'm honestly surprised as to how he died as the battle was over and the British were in full retreat. He and one other bodyguard were killed by the routing light infantry. It's realistic sure, but I've never seen it happen before.

    EDIT: Ok, I've got a small start uploaded on the AAR side. It's not very big but I'm going to add more tomorrow. I don't want to give anything away but I will say that I'm amazed at how quickly a new storyline is coming together. I hope you like it. http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...21#post9257521

    EDIT 2:
    Please post any comments in the new thread, thanks.
    Last edited by Bregil; April 07, 2011 at 12:46 AM.

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