Smoke and Steel: An alt-history RP (OOC/Now Closed)

[Kaamnaayein]

From an IC strategy standpoint, my ruler wouldn't really care about the Qirim, but he wouldn't want Russia expanding anywhere near him and also wouldn't like seeing the Sassanids being threatened because that takes potential heat off of the opposite border with the Sikhs. As I have already posted about conquering Bihar and the surrounding unclaimed lands, I doubt the Dravidians will have anything to do with this war unless one of their neighbors forces their hand and makes them pick a side.

I really need to get back in the IC thread and post some stuff. Is anybody interested in communication with the Empire in southern India?

[Kershya]

From an IC strategy standpoint, my ruler wouldn't really care about the Qirim, but he wouldn't want Russia expanding anywhere near him and also wouldn't like seeing the Sassanids being threatened because that takes potential heat off of the opposite border with the Sikhs. As I have already posted about conquering Bihar and the surrounding unclaimed lands, I doubt the Dravidians will have anything to do with this war unless one of their neighbors forces their hand and makes them pick a side.

I really need to get back in the IC thread and post some stuff. Is anybody interested in communication with the Empire in southern India?

The United Federation of Dvipantaran States is in peace right now, so I don't know what to do until the formation of the Socialist International.

[The Soodean Imperium]

Prussia looks like a future ally to me. With my small force I need a little bit of a big brother. Also, what about inflation? That would be very present in lands with large armies and/ or modernized ones. Also, do you think I should add more to my army? My whole army is not even half of some other peoples first army. The one I saw had eight armies... Could you imagine me trying to face that. What do you think is a good number if I am allowed to change?

PS: Remember, the Austro-Hungarian's strongly believe in quality over quanity. They do not want a big army because they are more content with their land and because their stunning economy doesn't need to feel the pressure from fielding such a large army.

I hadn't considered Austria-Hungary as an ally (in the last IC I invaded them by accident), but in this one I'd be willing to cooperate. You're in a good position to cooperate with Prussia if a war with Poland broke out.

The original OP's rule is that 5% of the population is the maximum peacetime military size, but most countries are at around 1-2%. If you favor quality you could have a well-trained force of 150,000 men (0.75% of the population). They would most likely be sharpshooter infantry with Minie rifles, supported by elite Hussar cavalry.

Also, before I add you to the map: you want the entire open area in the Balkans, correct? That way we can fill in all of Europe's empty spaces.

[Glasgia]

Prussia looks like a future ally to me. With my small force I need a little bit of a big brother. Also, what about inflation? That would be very present in lands with large armies and/ or modernized ones. Also, do you think I should add more to my army? My whole army is not even half of some other peoples first army. The one I saw had eight armies... Could you imagine me trying to face that. What do you think is a good number if I am allowed to change?

PS: Remember, the Austro-Hungarian's strongly believe in quality over quanity. They do not want a big army because they are more content with their land and because their stunning economy doesn't need to feel the pressure from fielding such a large army.

I only have 0.8% of my population in the army, but the Khaganate has a large militia reserve to call upon in defensive operations - though never in offensives - of a whole twentieth of the population. In peace time they all contribute to the economy as farmers, merchants, bankers, dockers or many other jobs, with just weekly fitness sessions and monthly shooting practice, but when the Khaganate is threatened they become a major part of the country's defence, albeit with little training and outdated wepapons. I also try and gain trade as much as possible, to make myself a valuable ally not just in war but at peace as well. The alliance network seems to be my best chance of surviving this.

[Dwartzur]

From an IC strategy standpoint, my ruler wouldn't really care about the Qirim, but he wouldn't want Russia expanding anywhere near him and also wouldn't like seeing the Sassanids being threatened because that takes potential heat off of the opposite border with the Sikhs. As I have already posted about conquering Bihar and the surrounding unclaimed lands, I doubt the Dravidians will have anything to do with this war unless one of their neighbors forces their hand and makes them pick a side.

I really need to get back in the IC thread and post some stuff. Is anybody interested in communication with the Empire in southern India?

Well eh... Trade with the IAC! Hoorray...
Yeah, I can't do much with ye right now. =/

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

I need some help here. What would be a multiple-post plot I could be in rig now, disregarding the revolution which isn't going to happen in another year?

[The Soodean Imperium]

From an IC strategy standpoint, my ruler wouldn't really care about the Qirim, but he wouldn't want Russia expanding anywhere near him and also wouldn't like seeing the Sassanids being threatened because that takes potential heat off of the opposite border with the Sikhs. As I have already posted about conquering Bihar and the surrounding unclaimed lands, I doubt the Dravidians will have anything to do with this war unless one of their neighbors forces their hand and makes them pick a side.

I really need to get back in the IC thread and post some stuff. Is anybody interested in communication with the Empire in southern India?

I sent you a letter ICly on the first page, asking for trade rights and so on, but it can expand to an alliance if you'd like. France is currently backing the Sikh Empire, while Prussia is allied with the Sassanids and on good terms with China. A proxy war in the Indian subcontinent would be an interesting addition to the war with the Northern Alliance.

[United Federation of the World]

Prussia looks like a future ally to me. With my small force I need a little bit of a big brother. Also, what about inflation? That would be very present in lands with large armies and/ or modernized ones. Also, do you think I should add more to my army? My whole army is not even half of some other peoples first army. The one I saw had eight armies... Could you imagine me trying to face that. What do you think is a good number if I am allowed to change?

PS: Remember, the Austro-Hungarian's strongly believe in quality over quanity. They do not want a big army because they are more content with their land and because their stunning economy doesn't need to feel the pressure from fielding such a large army.

I hadn't considered Austria-Hungary as an ally (in the last IC I invaded them by accident), but in this one I'd be willing to cooperate. You're in a good position to cooperate with Prussia if a war with Poland broke out.

The original OP's rule is that 5% of the population is the maximum peacetime military size, but most countries are at around 1-2%. If you favor quality you could have a well-trained force of 150,000 men (0.75% of the population). They would most likely be sharpshooter infantry with Minie rifles, supported by elite Hussar cavalry.

Also, before I add you to the map: you want the entire open area in the Balkans, correct? That way we can fill in all of Europe's empty spaces.

I will take the entire open area, correct. I also would like to bump my military to 150,000 with 30,000 Elite Hussar Cavalry and 110,000 Sharpshooter Infantry. The other 10,000 will be placed on the artillery Austria-Hungary is well known for.

As for an alliance I will send you a message later today when I get on my computer, since I am currently on my phone and do not want to hurt my fingers typing that way. If you want to send me a message it would be a bit better and maybe fill me in on what has happened in the current European political sphere.

[The Soodean Imperium]

I hadn't considered Austria-Hungary as an ally (in the last IC I invaded them by accident), but in this one I'd be willing to cooperate. You're in a good position to cooperate with Prussia if a war with Poland broke out.

The original OP's rule is that 5% of the population is the maximum peacetime military size, but most countries are at around 1-2%. If you favor quality you could have a well-trained force of 150,000 men (0.75% of the population). They would most likely be sharpshooter infantry with Minie rifles, supported by elite Hussar cavalry.

Also, before I add you to the map: you want the entire open area in the Balkans, correct? That way we can fill in all of Europe's empty spaces.

I will take the entire open area, correct. I also would like to bump my military to 150,000 with 30,000 Elite Hussar Cavalry and 110,000 Sharpshooter Infantry. The other 10,000 will be placed on the artillery Austria-Hungary is well known for.

As for an alliance I will send you a message later today when I get on my computer, since I am currently on my phone and do not want to hurt my fingers typing that way. If you want to send me a message it would be a bit better and maybe fill me in on what has happened in the current European political sphere.

Sure - I'll put up a post in a moment, but it'll be fairly basic because I don't have a lot of time.

[Dwartzur]

I need some help here. What would be a multiple-post plot I could be in rig now, disregarding the revolution which isn't going to happen in another year?

I sent you a letter in the beginning of page 2 and you didn't reply. Prussia, Italy and New Occitania too. (Though Italy didn't even post in the IC...)

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

I need some help here. What would be a multiple-post plot I could be in rig now, disregarding the revolution which isn't going to happen in another year?

I sent you a letter in the beginning of page 2 and you didn't reply. Prussia, Italy and New Occitania too. (Though Italy didn't even post in the IC...)

Gotya. I'll reply soon to all letters, including Prussia's, and that from the Sultanate.

[Ublia]

So sorry I haven't posted yet guys life sort of came up.

[Dwartzur]

So sorry I haven't posted yet guys life sort of came up.

Oohh I see. It happens. /pat

*Reading the IC*

The Ionian Empire

What?!!?

[Neros]

I'm here briefly.

My nation sort've has a fiscal-military state, but not on a scale that Sweden had the Thirty Years War and later. Enough to keep up a large (for Sweden) force and keep them well-trained and well-equipped. I have 1,000,000 soldiers, which is 200,000 men over my 5% allotment, yet only 250,000 is Active with the rest (750K) being Reservists which are called up every six months to receive a few weeks of training and then return to their lives. We balance free market economics with high military spending and justify it with Armed Neutrality, and being surrounded by powerful neighbors.

I would say my soldiers are top of line in training and equipment, but it's not like I can deploy all of soldiers in a single theater and thus have to rely on what I have in the immediate area. If I instituted Large Scale Conscription, much of my conscript army would be fairly low tier, but would be a tad bit better than areas such as Russia or Prussia.

On the topic of Prussian entry into the Second Crimean War:

Has everyone forgotten Prussia will be fighting Poland AND France if that is the case, and Sweden would have to enter the conflict at that point to preserve the status quo in Northern Europe? France in this time also has Germany in manpower and economic power due to French ownership of the Ruhr and Rhine, as well as the Low Countries, so that would be a much more French-dominated fight than the Prussians would like to think.

[Halleon]

Personally I would prefer fighting a proxy war in the Crimea and in most areas of the World since direct war is going to cost a lot in both manpower and economic wise. Could take us a long time to recover from a full or even a short time of direct war considering allies on both sides will pile in until its like everyone in the role play is fighting in the war. Which can be fun just most of the time it creates a few IC and OOC problems.

France will fight in Europe if its hand is forced but I'm still gonna be focusing a lot on my Colonial Empire.

[Zgraja]

People always trying to fight Poland...

To be perfectly honest, I have no plans of having Poland attack Prussia. But if Prussia should try to attack first we will defend our home land and at that point Prussia will have massive fronts not just on the East but North, and West as well.

[Halleon]

People always trying to fight Poland...

To be perfectly honest, I have no plans of having Poland attack Prussia. But if Prussia should try to attack first we will defend our home land and at that point Prussia will have massive fronts not just on the East but North, and West as well.

I figure Poland and France are most likely going to get pulled into this war since I'm figuring Prussia is gonna get involved in the Crimea War forcing us to get involved.

[Zgraja]

I agree. So basically, Russia declares war, Prussia sends aid as an ally which in turn forces France and Poland to play their hand because they are allied with Russia. At this point WW1 stars earlier than IRL. The Northern Alliance vs those who are against us.

Also gotta ask, how would Prussia send aid? The Sweds and French can block any naval attempt and they wouldn't be able to go through Poland without invading. They could go the long way and move south then east but that seems like it would be a very long trip to make.

[Kaamnaayein]

From an IC strategy standpoint, my ruler wouldn't really care about the Qirim, but he wouldn't want Russia expanding anywhere near him and also wouldn't like seeing the Sassanids being threatened because that takes potential heat off of the opposite border with the Sikhs. As I have already posted about conquering Bihar and the surrounding unclaimed lands, I doubt the Dravidians will have anything to do with this war unless one of their neighbors forces their hand and makes them pick a side.

I really need to get back in the IC thread and post some stuff. Is anybody interested in communication with the Empire in southern India?

The United Federation of Dvipantaran States is in peace right now, so I don't know what to do until the formation of the Socialist International.

How are you planning to handle that, btw? It sounds fun.

From an IC strategy standpoint, my ruler wouldn't really care about the Qirim, but he wouldn't want Russia expanding anywhere near him and also wouldn't like seeing the Sassanids being threatened because that takes potential heat off of the opposite border with the Sikhs. As I have already posted about conquering Bihar and the surrounding unclaimed lands, I doubt the Dravidians will have anything to do with this war unless one of their neighbors forces their hand and makes them pick a side.

I really need to get back in the IC thread and post some stuff. Is anybody interested in communication with the Empire in southern India?

Well eh... Trade with the IAC! Hoorray...
Yeah, I can't do much with ye right now. =/

I'll see if I can think of something.

From an IC strategy standpoint, my ruler wouldn't really care about the Qirim, but he wouldn't want Russia expanding anywhere near him and also wouldn't like seeing the Sassanids being threatened because that takes potential heat off of the opposite border with the Sikhs. As I have already posted about conquering Bihar and the surrounding unclaimed lands, I doubt the Dravidians will have anything to do with this war unless one of their neighbors forces their hand and makes them pick a side.

I really need to get back in the IC thread and post some stuff. Is anybody interested in communication with the Empire in southern India?

I sent you a letter ICly on the first page, asking for trade rights and so on, but it can expand to an alliance if you'd like. France is currently backing the Sikh Empire, while Prussia is allied with the Sassanids and on good terms with China. A proxy war in the Indian subcontinent would be an interesting addition to the war with the Northern Alliance.

Ah, I apologize, I must have missed that. I can see Dravidia agreeing to an alliance with your nation, especially since it by proxy puts us on the same side as the Sassanids. Would you like to resend the message, or have me reply and propose an alliance?

[Glasgia]

I agree. So basically, Russia declares war, Prussia sends aid as an ally which in turn forces France and Poland to play their hand because they are allied with Russia. At this point WW1 stars earlier than IRL. The Northern Alliance vs those who are against us.

Also gotta ask, how would Prussia send aid? The Sweds and French can block any naval attempt and they wouldn't be able to go through Poland without invading. They could go the long way and move south then east but that seems like it would be a very long trip to make.

Looking at the positions posted, Prussia's formation looks defensive to me. I reckon Soodean has assumed your intervention anyway and as such will fight if you do. Otherwise, I think he'll stay out of it or offer symbolic aid - as you said, it's hard for Prussia to actually fight Russia.

[The Soodean Imperium]

Ah, I apologize, I must have missed that. I can see Dravidia agreeing to an alliance with your nation, especially since it by proxy puts us on the same side as the Sassanids. Would you like to resend the message, or have me reply and propose an alliance?

You can reply and propose expanding the trade deal into an alliance, it would save time.

On the topic of the Crimean War: Prussia's role is more than just symbolic. While the Northern approach is closed to us, we can potentially get to Qirim lands by traveling through Switzerland to the Mediterranean, or Austria-Hungary to Constantinople.

[Halleon]

Ah, I apologize, I must have missed that. I can see Dravidia agreeing to an alliance with your nation, especially since it by proxy puts us on the same side as the Sassanids. Would you like to resend the message, or have me reply and propose an alliance?

You can reply and propose expanding the trade deal into an alliance, it would save time.

On the topic of the Crimean War: Prussia's role is more than just symbolic. While the Northern approach is closed to us, we can potentially get to Qirim lands by traveling through Switzerland to the Mediterranean, or Austria-Hungary to Constantinople.

Yeah might have to use Austria-Hungary to get there since if I get involved I'm gonna be invading Switzerland forcing you to cross the Rhine into the Greater French Empire. Yeah I gave up a small part of my plan but oh well its nothing important or mind blowing for my plans involving the Crimean War.

[Halleon]

What should we do about the inactives? Keep waiting on them or start treating them like npc's till we replace them?

[Photana]

Sorry for my inactivity, IRL things have gotten in the way, could someone take over the Aztec Republic? I won't have the time to participate meaningfully for the foreseeable future.

[Landenburg]

I'll be getting a Japanese post up shortly.