Chapter One - In media Res
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Chapter 2: The Barbed Web of Diplomacy
Muscowy, 1511 AD. A nation in the crux of its history. A rising power wedged between Western European technological progression and the advancing might of Asia’s Golden Horde – whose single-minded objective to conquer the European peninsula is impeded in large by the lands of Muscowy.
It has been a frantic ten years, wherein Muscowy has been built through warfare and the powers of diplomatic persuasion. Through the course of events we have become enmeshed in the fabric of local diplomacy. Alliances have been forged. Our enemies continue their tactful opposition. And it is here, through Diplomatic Actions, that Europa Universalis III sets itself apart as a strategy game.
Here are brief descriptions to some of the diplomatic actions relevant to this scenario:
Casus Beli – A legitimate (a term that is used loosely) and just cause for declaring war on another country. Declaring war without a Casus Beli destroys your reputation amongst other countries and quickly earns you a lot of enemies.
Proclaim Guarantee – Gives a Casus Beli against those who declare war on the selected country.
Send Warning – Gives a Casus Beli if the selected country declares war
Royal Marriage – Greatly improves relations between countries. This action may prove to be a messy affair (sometimes intentionally) when either one of the rulers passes away. The consequences are fortuitous but wars of succession are commonplace, as we shall shortly see.
Currently, this is where some of Muscowy’s diplomatic engagements lie.
Our primary concern is nurturing a relationship with Poland. They have come to our aid in the past, and it is critical that we maintain a good standing so that we may not have to face our enemies alone. And as such, it is important to understand that there are two critical aspects to diplomacy: (1) diplomacy can work both ways! And (2) the effects of diplomacy can bring about two unique consequences:
- It can provide unforeseen opportunities of growth that can only be answered by swift and decisive action.
- On the other hand, reactions from diplomatic exchanges can be far-reaching, and the results of which can catch you completely off guard and unprepared.
And currently, interestingly enough, Muscowy finds itself in both situations. As it has happened, through the barbed web of diplomacy we were entangled into being a key player in the:
And this is how diplomacy has caught Muscowy off guard…
Here’s how the lines have been drawn for this conflict: There are two tiers of enemy involvement. The first tier involves a central European powerhouse: France. Throughout this current campaign as Muscowy, Denmark has been frequently sending us requests to enter into a royal marriage, and we’ve always declined. The fact that we are currently in the THIRD war of Danish Succession only proves that this diplomatic action is being abused by Denmark. Regardless, at some point, Poland and Denmark entered into a Royal Marriage. When Denmark’s king passed from this world there was a dispute between whom from which nation shall claim the throne. Poland felt it their right to settle this matter through war. So POLAND declared war on DENMARK. And since Muscowy is allied with them it was our obligation to stand by our friends. At some point in the past FRANCE guaranteed DENMARK’s freedom. And so by involving themselves, France also brings her vassal states PROVINCE, LORRAINE, TRIER. Likewise, AQUILLA, a strong ally of France, was also called to arms.
And this is the pronged threat from the west. Countries in which we have no normal dealings with are now pitted against us because of the Barbed Web of Diplomacy. Luckily, there is enough of a geopolitical buffer between us and them that this poses no real IMMEDIATE threat, but their reputation, might and sudden involvement has caught us off guard.
The second tier of opposition is cause for much greater alarm. It involves the blunt force of our cursed enemies directly to the east: The Golden Horde.
Here is how they wiggled their way into this conflict: The Golden Horde strategically WARNED Poland. Plain and simple. Knowing that Muscowy was allied with Poland and would very likely enter war beside them it is ever apparent that the Golden Horde had their sights on Muscowy this entire time. They too seek conquest. Muscowy is a major obstacle to their progression westward. Even though we have tried to avoid a direct confrontation, alas, through diplomacy we now find ourselves mostly unprepared to fight a war with the Golden Horde's massive armies who are practically kicking down our eastern gates.
Is there a happy ending to this? Indeed. It has been mentioned that diplomacy provides unforeseen opportunities of growth, and that Muscowy currently finds itself in such a position. Hard to believe given how the odds are stacked so heavily against us. But we can - nay – we MUST pull ahead, we must triumph! Our victory involves tactful military maneuvers deep within the Golden Horde’s territory. After which, it will be time for Muscowy to shed its iron cocoon and initiate its formation into the mighty State of Russia!
- Coming soon -
Chapter 3: All on the Line
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