Final Ranking1 - Josh (Captain Dickers Salty-Carpet) - Empire of the Ottomans - Padishah Mahmut Osmanoglu
2 - Brian (Iron) - Federal Republic of the Romans - President Leopold Adam 3 - Brad (Official Mr. Scruff) - Sultanate of Portugal - Sultan Luis de Avis 4 - Quinton (Jesusaurusrex) - Empire of Great Britain - Emperor Frederik Oglethorpe 5 - Bryan (A Dirty Mordred) - Empire of the Mughals - Padishah Sujah Lodi 6 - Braxton (MoneyMaker3389) - Tsardom of Russia - Tsar Dmitriy VII Romanov 7 - Mike (Z3NF1N1TY) - Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - King Carlo III di Savoia 8 - Jake (Great Gibblet) - United Provinces of the Netherlands - Stadtholder Frederick von Veringen 9 - Eric (chaching812) - Kingdom of Prussia - King Ferdinand von Hohenzollern 10 - Alec (Alec LaGrega) - Great Republic of Egypt - Grand Vizier Fadl Bey 11 - Blake (lookatall26) - Kingdom of Scandinavia - Queen Christina Beck |
Prestige16
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 |
Kings of Europe II - Starting Conditions
This campaign will focus on the major powers in Europe. The players will each pilot one of the era's dominant monarchies as they compete for the highest score in 1821. The nations available, some with long histories of independent rule and some yet to realize their nascent potential, guided the course of history and are chosen for their competitive proximity. Players will be able to choose their nation in 1444 in order based on their rankings in the previous campaign, excepting the last campaign's winner who must choose last. Any new players may choose their nation before all others.
The top score in 1821 will earn an Ardbeg 10 year Single Islay Malt Scotch Whiskey, which they can sip on while contemplating their strategy for the next campaign.
House rules:
- Players may not annex any province in the area of another player's capital unless they have a victory card on that area.
- Any player that loses its capital and/or wishes to resign may continue playing by switching to any of their former vassals or colonial nations, or any nation within the Holy Roman Empire.
- During their first missed session, other players may not attack the absent player's nation, and may not demand any peace terms from their nation if they find themselves at war by other means. Absent player's nations are not protected in further missed sessions and players cannot take advantage of protection after the year 1750 regardless.
The top score in 1821 will earn an Ardbeg 10 year Single Islay Malt Scotch Whiskey, which they can sip on while contemplating their strategy for the next campaign.
House rules:
- Players may not annex any province in the area of another player's capital unless they have a victory card on that area.
- Any player that loses its capital and/or wishes to resign may continue playing by switching to any of their former vassals or colonial nations, or any nation within the Holy Roman Empire.
- During their first missed session, other players may not attack the absent player's nation, and may not demand any peace terms from their nation if they find themselves at war by other means. Absent player's nations are not protected in further missed sessions and players cannot take advantage of protection after the year 1750 regardless.
The nations available for selection are shown below, ranked from least difficult/most desirable on top to most difficult/least desirable on bottom based on their starting security and complexity. See below for further descriptions of starting difficulty.
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Ottomans - Josh (Captain Dickers Salty-Carpet) France - Austin (JoelOsteen) Castile - Jeff (UFOcool23) Austria - Brian (Iron) Muscovy - Braxton (MoneyMaker3389) England - Quinton (Jesusaurusrex) Poland - Chris (Runaway Sparrow) Timurids - Bryan (A Dirty Mordred) Denmark - Blake (lookatall26) Portugal - Brad (Official Mr. Scruff) Mamluks - Alec (Alec LaGrega) Brandenburg - Eric (chaching812) Savoy - Mike (Z3NF1N1TY) Naples - not chosen Holland - Jake (The Great Gibblet Mystery Band) |
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Ottoman Sultanate - Sultan Mehmet II Fatih
- Large starting army
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas and events)
- Technology penalty
Before the Turks can begin to invade Europe or Arabia they will likely wish to secure the remainder of Greece and Anatolia. Constantinople still holds out against the Sultan, but with few soldiers and fewer allies they will not hold long. The Ottomans face no immediate threats and domination of the eastern Mediterranean is all but assured, but with little opportunity to participate in the "Age of Exploration" the Ottomans are more likely to expand their influence through invasion. Able to pick and choose their targets at leisure, the Turkish realm has a very real chance at outperforming its Christian counterparts. Their greatest obstacle may be their geographical distance from the likely centers of technological progress, a hindrance that can only be avoided by the costly support of the new institutions spreading from the West.
- Large starting army
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas and events)
- Technology penalty
Before the Turks can begin to invade Europe or Arabia they will likely wish to secure the remainder of Greece and Anatolia. Constantinople still holds out against the Sultan, but with few soldiers and fewer allies they will not hold long. The Ottomans face no immediate threats and domination of the eastern Mediterranean is all but assured, but with little opportunity to participate in the "Age of Exploration" the Ottomans are more likely to expand their influence through invasion. Able to pick and choose their targets at leisure, the Turkish realm has a very real chance at outperforming its Christian counterparts. Their greatest obstacle may be their geographical distance from the likely centers of technological progress, a hindrance that can only be avoided by the costly support of the new institutions spreading from the West.
Kingdom of France - King Charles VII de Valois
- Overseas colonizer
- Large starting army
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas)
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
Paris is challenged on both east and west for control of France by the rival king of England and the upstart duke of Burgundy. While neither of these foes can threaten Charles' realm on its own, poor diplomacy could see Paris further stripped of its domains. On the other hand, with the right allies and proper timing, France can become an unstoppable war machine capable of dominating western Europe as well as securing an overseas empire.
- Overseas colonizer
- Large starting army
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas)
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
Paris is challenged on both east and west for control of France by the rival king of England and the upstart duke of Burgundy. While neither of these foes can threaten Charles' realm on its own, poor diplomacy could see Paris further stripped of its domains. On the other hand, with the right allies and proper timing, France can become an unstoppable war machine capable of dominating western Europe as well as securing an overseas empire.
Kingdom of Castile - King Juan II de Trastamara
- Overseas colonizer
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas)
- Event-driven opportunity of unions with Aragon and Naples
The king of Castile has early opportunities to expand south at the expense of his muslim neighbors and can easily be one of the first powers to access the New World, but must deal with the kingdom of Aragon if they hope to ever feel safe on the Iberian peninsula and unify Spain. Conquering the Catalans is one path to this end, but Castile can also remain amiable with their rival in hopes of unification with Aragon via the Iberian Wedding. Unified, the Spanish can easily dominate colonization and world trade with only inflation from their vast income as their most threatening rival after France and England.
- Overseas colonizer
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas)
- Event-driven opportunity of unions with Aragon and Naples
The king of Castile has early opportunities to expand south at the expense of his muslim neighbors and can easily be one of the first powers to access the New World, but must deal with the kingdom of Aragon if they hope to ever feel safe on the Iberian peninsula and unify Spain. Conquering the Catalans is one path to this end, but Castile can also remain amiable with their rival in hopes of unification with Aragon via the Iberian Wedding. Unified, the Spanish can easily dominate colonization and world trade with only inflation from their vast income as their most threatening rival after France and England.
Archduchy of Austria - Emperor Friedrich III von Hapsburg
- Large starting army
- Holy Roman Empire member
- Starts as the Emperor
- Duchy tier at start
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
In 1444, the duke of Austria leads the Holy Roman Empire and is poised to hold the title for many generations if they can avoid angering the Electors. As the emperor, Austria is able to manipulate the complicated imperial politics in ways that can allow them unchecked expansion across Germany and Italy, but will also be required to pay tireless attention to the empire's internal integrity and its member states' defensive needs. An over-ambitious, negligent, or simply unlucky emperor may fail to secure the title for his heir, but that alone will not lead to Austria's decline and the title can always be regained in a future election. Far more threatening is the growth of France to the west and the Ottomans to the East. If the emperors can help their traditional Hungarian allies hold back the Turkish advance while also keeping France from annexing Italy's wayward states, Austria can freely dominate whatever theater it chooses.
- Large starting army
- Holy Roman Empire member
- Starts as the Emperor
- Duchy tier at start
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
In 1444, the duke of Austria leads the Holy Roman Empire and is poised to hold the title for many generations if they can avoid angering the Electors. As the emperor, Austria is able to manipulate the complicated imperial politics in ways that can allow them unchecked expansion across Germany and Italy, but will also be required to pay tireless attention to the empire's internal integrity and its member states' defensive needs. An over-ambitious, negligent, or simply unlucky emperor may fail to secure the title for his heir, but that alone will not lead to Austria's decline and the title can always be regained in a future election. Far more threatening is the growth of France to the west and the Ottomans to the East. If the emperors can help their traditional Hungarian allies hold back the Turkish advance while also keeping France from annexing Italy's wayward states, Austria can freely dominate whatever theater it chooses.
Grand Principality of Muscovy - Grand Kniaz Vasiliy II Temny
- Large starting army
- Starts with three vassal nations
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Slight technology penalty
Grand Kniaz Vasiliy II has realized that the Golden Horde is no longer able to check the expanding influence of his people and the time has come to turn the tables. Free from the nomad yoke, Moscow can choose to expand east, through conquest of their technologically inferior neighbors and colonization of the vast regions of Siberia, or west into the more valuable lands of the Baltic and Black Sea. The growing power of the Russian princes has frightened many, such as the Poles and Lithuanians, into coalitions aimed against the Muscovites, and being the only major power remaining in Europe to adhere to Orthodox Christianity has further alienated Moscow from its neighbors. While the Russians are strong enough to stand alone, and their deadly winters protect them from prolonged invasion, Muscovy will still need allies abroad if it wants to push its borders farther into Europe and become more than a collection of backwards tribes on the fringe of civilization.
- Large starting army
- Starts with three vassal nations
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Slight technology penalty
Grand Kniaz Vasiliy II has realized that the Golden Horde is no longer able to check the expanding influence of his people and the time has come to turn the tables. Free from the nomad yoke, Moscow can choose to expand east, through conquest of their technologically inferior neighbors and colonization of the vast regions of Siberia, or west into the more valuable lands of the Baltic and Black Sea. The growing power of the Russian princes has frightened many, such as the Poles and Lithuanians, into coalitions aimed against the Muscovites, and being the only major power remaining in Europe to adhere to Orthodox Christianity has further alienated Moscow from its neighbors. While the Russians are strong enough to stand alone, and their deadly winters protect them from prolonged invasion, Muscovy will still need allies abroad if it wants to push its borders farther into Europe and become more than a collection of backwards tribes on the fringe of civilization.
Kingdom of England - King Henry VI Lancaster
- Overseas colonizer
- Better than average naval bonuses (through national ideas)
- Naval superiority can make English core lands invulnerable to external threats
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Disaster and event-driven penalties at start
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
Ruled by an inept and incapable young monarch with no heir, England's early obstacles will be avoiding the War of the Roses, maintaining their hold on their valuable provinces in France, and then filling in the technological deficit that is normally left behind from Henry's rule or lack thereof. The future can be much brighter, however, if England maintains their glorious navy in order to protect the homeland. Unifying the British Isles and taking advantage of colonization opportunities around the world will guide trade flow back to London and allow England to maintain their presence in mainland Europe, create an overseas empire, or, ideally, both.
- Overseas colonizer
- Better than average naval bonuses (through national ideas)
- Naval superiority can make English core lands invulnerable to external threats
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Disaster and event-driven penalties at start
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
Ruled by an inept and incapable young monarch with no heir, England's early obstacles will be avoiding the War of the Roses, maintaining their hold on their valuable provinces in France, and then filling in the technological deficit that is normally left behind from Henry's rule or lack thereof. The future can be much brighter, however, if England maintains their glorious navy in order to protect the homeland. Unifying the British Isles and taking advantage of colonization opportunities around the world will guide trade flow back to London and allow England to maintain their presence in mainland Europe, create an overseas empire, or, ideally, both.
Kingdom of Poland - Interregnum
- Starts with two vassal nations
- Event-driven opportunity of union with Lithuania
- Slight technology penalty
The kingdom of the Poles is without a king in 1444, the last having perished during the crusade against the Ottomans, but this crisis has brought a valuable opportunity. Due to other threats from the East, the Lithuanian nobles have offered a unique alliance with Poland for their shared defense, and the nation will be presented with the option to form a powerful personal union with Lithuania. The union of Poland and Lithuania, which can later be formally united as the Commonwealth, will be the uncontested power of eastern Europe and will have avenues of expansion into the Baltic and Black seas, as well as control of all the trade that comes with these regions. If the Poles choose to avoid the complications of an elective monarchy and choose a native noble as their next ruler, Lithuania will still likely be a valuable ally in stopping the spreading influence of the Muscovites and Ottomans in eastern Europe. To hold these aggressors in check and expand the Polish realm, Poland will need to look to their enemies' enemies for further alliances, and always keep one eye on the ambitions of the Holy Roman Emperor.
- Starts with two vassal nations
- Event-driven opportunity of union with Lithuania
- Slight technology penalty
The kingdom of the Poles is without a king in 1444, the last having perished during the crusade against the Ottomans, but this crisis has brought a valuable opportunity. Due to other threats from the East, the Lithuanian nobles have offered a unique alliance with Poland for their shared defense, and the nation will be presented with the option to form a powerful personal union with Lithuania. The union of Poland and Lithuania, which can later be formally united as the Commonwealth, will be the uncontested power of eastern Europe and will have avenues of expansion into the Baltic and Black seas, as well as control of all the trade that comes with these regions. If the Poles choose to avoid the complications of an elective monarchy and choose a native noble as their next ruler, Lithuania will still likely be a valuable ally in stopping the spreading influence of the Muscovites and Ottomans in eastern Europe. To hold these aggressors in check and expand the Polish realm, Poland will need to look to their enemies' enemies for further alliances, and always keep one eye on the ambitions of the Holy Roman Emperor.
Timurid Khanate - Khan Shah Rukh Timurid
- Large starting army
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Starts with one vassal
- Diverse and rebellious subjects at start
- Needs experience with horde mechanics
- Severe technology penalty
The greatest of the steppe hordes at this time is the Timurid Khanate, a realm of diverse people subjugated by the ruthless descendants of Tamerlane. The Khanate is surrounded by weaker tribes and decadent kingdoms ripe for pillage or conquest, and the Khan of the Timurids must always be leading his hordes to further victories in order to maintain legitimacy within his realm. While the mounted armies of the Khan have proven to be the uncontested masters of both steppe and mountain, the nomadic lifestyle of the Khan's horsemen make them hopelessly resistant to the rapidly accelerating changes taking place in the societies across their borders. Doomed to be eclipsed and swept aside by musket and cannon, the Timurids must take full advantage of their current dominance, and strongly consider settling their people down to form a more traditional kingdom. If the Timurids can conquer the nearby realm of Delhi, a rich kingdom in sharp decline, the Khan may find just the opportunity that will help ensure his people's relevance for centuries to come.
- Large starting army
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Starts with one vassal
- Diverse and rebellious subjects at start
- Needs experience with horde mechanics
- Severe technology penalty
The greatest of the steppe hordes at this time is the Timurid Khanate, a realm of diverse people subjugated by the ruthless descendants of Tamerlane. The Khanate is surrounded by weaker tribes and decadent kingdoms ripe for pillage or conquest, and the Khan of the Timurids must always be leading his hordes to further victories in order to maintain legitimacy within his realm. While the mounted armies of the Khan have proven to be the uncontested masters of both steppe and mountain, the nomadic lifestyle of the Khan's horsemen make them hopelessly resistant to the rapidly accelerating changes taking place in the societies across their borders. Doomed to be eclipsed and swept aside by musket and cannon, the Timurids must take full advantage of their current dominance, and strongly consider settling their people down to form a more traditional kingdom. If the Timurids can conquer the nearby realm of Delhi, a rich kingdom in sharp decline, the Khan may find just the opportunity that will help ensure his people's relevance for centuries to come.
Kingdom of Denmark - King Christopher III von Wittelsbach
- Overseas colonizer
- Starts with two personal unions
- Naval superiority can make Danish core lands invulnerable to external threats
- Needs experience with maintaining large unions
- Needs experience with managing trade flow
Denmark is currently leading the Kalmar Union of Norway and Sweden and wields immense power in northern Europe. However, using this advantage to extend Denmark's reach will not be simple. The formidable Kingdom of England and the growing Polish-Lithuanian alliance will likely place Scandinavian control of the Baltic in an inescapable vice, and the German trade cities under the protection of the Holy Roman Empire wait for any moment of Danish weakness in which they can forcibly take the access routes to the Baltic Sea. With many envious enemies, the Swedes or Norwegians will likely find many supporters if they should ever desire to regain their independence.
- Overseas colonizer
- Starts with two personal unions
- Naval superiority can make Danish core lands invulnerable to external threats
- Needs experience with maintaining large unions
- Needs experience with managing trade flow
Denmark is currently leading the Kalmar Union of Norway and Sweden and wields immense power in northern Europe. However, using this advantage to extend Denmark's reach will not be simple. The formidable Kingdom of England and the growing Polish-Lithuanian alliance will likely place Scandinavian control of the Baltic in an inescapable vice, and the German trade cities under the protection of the Holy Roman Empire wait for any moment of Danish weakness in which they can forcibly take the access routes to the Baltic Sea. With many envious enemies, the Swedes or Norwegians will likely find many supporters if they should ever desire to regain their independence.
Kingdom of Portugal - King Afonso V de Avis
- Overseas colonizer
- Small starting army
- Needs experience with managing trade flow
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
On the edge of Europe and the known world, the Portuguese people can feel safe as long as relations with the much larger kingdom of Castile remain good. If left unable to challenge their larger neighbor, the Portuguese can focus on expanding their holdings in North Africa or funding the exploration of the Atlantic. Poised to discover and colonize new lands faster than any other Europeans, Portugal can easily become the leading colonial power in the world and funnel trade goods from around the world back to Lisbon in order to fund vast mercenary armies. Alternatively, alliances with Castile's rivals could open up conquest in Iberia and complete control of trade in Sevilla.
- Overseas colonizer
- Small starting army
- Needs experience with managing trade flow
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
On the edge of Europe and the known world, the Portuguese people can feel safe as long as relations with the much larger kingdom of Castile remain good. If left unable to challenge their larger neighbor, the Portuguese can focus on expanding their holdings in North Africa or funding the exploration of the Atlantic. Poised to discover and colonize new lands faster than any other Europeans, Portugal can easily become the leading colonial power in the world and funnel trade goods from around the world back to Lisbon in order to fund vast mercenary armies. Alternatively, alliances with Castile's rivals could open up conquest in Iberia and complete control of trade in Sevilla.
Mamluk Sultanate - Sultan Jaqmaq Burji
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Technology penalty
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
The Mamluk rulers of Egypt do not fit into the overall theme of this campaign as they were defeated by and incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. The Sultanate of Cairo has been controlled by the Mamluk warrior-slave families for almost 200 years, and it is they who drove out the last Crusaders from the Holy Land and they who defeated the Mongol hordes. A new Mongol threat has been growing in the East, however, and the Ottoman Empire's desire for conquest threatens the Mamluk sphere of influence. Already rivaling Mamluk power, the Ottoman Sultan will quickly become a dangerous threat if allowed to expand, and the Timurid hordes constantly threaten to engulf the Arabian Peninsula in war. Furthermore, their distance from the new ideas of the Italian Renaissance will be a major obstacle in keeping the Egyptian nation competitive with their rivals. Situated atop the valuable trade routes that connect Asia to the Mediterranean, the Mamluk Sultans can be assured of vast wealth if they focus on controlling these resources, and leveraging such opportunities will be vital to the success of the inevitable wars ahead for the famed defenders of Islam.
- Incontestable starting conquests
- Technology penalty
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
The Mamluk rulers of Egypt do not fit into the overall theme of this campaign as they were defeated by and incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. The Sultanate of Cairo has been controlled by the Mamluk warrior-slave families for almost 200 years, and it is they who drove out the last Crusaders from the Holy Land and they who defeated the Mongol hordes. A new Mongol threat has been growing in the East, however, and the Ottoman Empire's desire for conquest threatens the Mamluk sphere of influence. Already rivaling Mamluk power, the Ottoman Sultan will quickly become a dangerous threat if allowed to expand, and the Timurid hordes constantly threaten to engulf the Arabian Peninsula in war. Furthermore, their distance from the new ideas of the Italian Renaissance will be a major obstacle in keeping the Egyptian nation competitive with their rivals. Situated atop the valuable trade routes that connect Asia to the Mediterranean, the Mamluk Sultans can be assured of vast wealth if they focus on controlling these resources, and leveraging such opportunities will be vital to the success of the inevitable wars ahead for the famed defenders of Islam.
Duchy of Brandenburg - Prince-Elector Friedrich II von Hohenzollern
- Holy Roman Empire member and elector
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas)
- Small starting army
- Duchy tier at start
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
The Prince-Electors of Berlin are credited with starting the political processes that would eventually lead to a unified German nation, beginning with the consolidation of the Teutonic Order's lands and the formation of the kingdom of Prussia. At this time Brandenburg is an elector of the Holy Roman Empire, one of the Empire's larger realms, and a powerful candidate for the Imperial throne should Austria's diplomacy falter. With some careful expansion, Brandenburg's princes can swiftly rival any other Imperial power, such as Austria or Bohemia, and has little to fear from its neighbors further abroad due to Imperial protection. Of course, an angry Emperor could always choose to ignore the problems of an over-ambitious Brandenburg, so the princes of Berlin should take care to stay on good terms with their neighbors and especially with those who might help them secure the Imperial title.
- Holy Roman Empire member and elector
- Better than average combat bonuses (through national ideas)
- Small starting army
- Duchy tier at start
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
The Prince-Electors of Berlin are credited with starting the political processes that would eventually lead to a unified German nation, beginning with the consolidation of the Teutonic Order's lands and the formation of the kingdom of Prussia. At this time Brandenburg is an elector of the Holy Roman Empire, one of the Empire's larger realms, and a powerful candidate for the Imperial throne should Austria's diplomacy falter. With some careful expansion, Brandenburg's princes can swiftly rival any other Imperial power, such as Austria or Bohemia, and has little to fear from its neighbors further abroad due to Imperial protection. Of course, an angry Emperor could always choose to ignore the problems of an over-ambitious Brandenburg, so the princes of Berlin should take care to stay on good terms with their neighbors and especially with those who might help them secure the Imperial title.
Duchy of Savoy - Duke Ludovico di Savoia
- Holy Roman Empire member
- Starts with one vassal
- Small starting army
- Duchy tier at start
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
The rulers of Savoy, significant for eventually unifying the Italian peninsula after escaping from the grip of the French Empire, are among the most powerful dukes of the Holy Roman Empire at this time. However, the Italian nations are currently drifting away from the Empire and asserting their independence from what is viewed as an archaic and restraining institution. Savoy will have to decide if they are strong enough to forgo the protection of the Empire in order to escape from the Imperial mandates, or if they are better served by remaining subservient while expanding their influence from within. While France and Castile are obvious and substantial threats to an independent duchy, strong alliances could protect the small nation as it explores opportunities in Italy or across the Mediterranean. If Savoy remains within the Empire, they have many weaker neighbors that could be brought under their control, but only if relations remain good with the Emperor.
- Holy Roman Empire member
- Starts with one vassal
- Small starting army
- Duchy tier at start
- Immediate border friction with strong neighbors
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
The rulers of Savoy, significant for eventually unifying the Italian peninsula after escaping from the grip of the French Empire, are among the most powerful dukes of the Holy Roman Empire at this time. However, the Italian nations are currently drifting away from the Empire and asserting their independence from what is viewed as an archaic and restraining institution. Savoy will have to decide if they are strong enough to forgo the protection of the Empire in order to escape from the Imperial mandates, or if they are better served by remaining subservient while expanding their influence from within. While France and Castile are obvious and substantial threats to an independent duchy, strong alliances could protect the small nation as it explores opportunities in Italy or across the Mediterranean. If Savoy remains within the Empire, they have many weaker neighbors that could be brought under their control, but only if relations remain good with the Emperor.
Kingdom of Naples - Personal Union under King Alfons V de Trastamara
- Small starting army
- Needs experience with escaping from unions
The people of Naples do not fit into the larger theme of this campaign as they served mostly as pawns of the Spanish, French, and Papal rulers throughout the era. This destiny can be avoided if the Neapolitans can escape their union with the Aragonese and crown one of their own as soon as possible, and allies in this endeavor should not be difficult to find as Aragon will have many rivals. Once independent, Naples is well situated to supplant their former overlord as one of the Mediterranean's great maritime powers, but the kingdom of Naples has almost no control over the various lucrative trade nodes of the Mediterranean, and will need to acquire nearby ports and build a large trade fleet to help divert more of the passing flow of gold towards their own capital. While Naples has many options for expansion, none of them promise to be easy, and its kings will need to be brilliant diplomats as much as opportunistic generals in order to ensure their kingdom's survival.
- Small starting army
- Needs experience with escaping from unions
The people of Naples do not fit into the larger theme of this campaign as they served mostly as pawns of the Spanish, French, and Papal rulers throughout the era. This destiny can be avoided if the Neapolitans can escape their union with the Aragonese and crown one of their own as soon as possible, and allies in this endeavor should not be difficult to find as Aragon will have many rivals. Once independent, Naples is well situated to supplant their former overlord as one of the Mediterranean's great maritime powers, but the kingdom of Naples has almost no control over the various lucrative trade nodes of the Mediterranean, and will need to acquire nearby ports and build a large trade fleet to help divert more of the passing flow of gold towards their own capital. While Naples has many options for expansion, none of them promise to be easy, and its kings will need to be brilliant diplomats as much as opportunistic generals in order to ensure their kingdom's survival.
Duchy of Holland - Personal Union under Duke Philippe III de Bourgogne
- Overseas colonizer
- Holy Roman Empire member
- Small starting army
- Duchy tier at start
- Needs experience with managing trade flow
- Needs experience with escaping from unions
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
Less than two decades ago, the burghers of Holland helped the duke of Burgundy gain control of their duchy in order to thwart the local Dutch nobility and protect their own privileges. While the rule of Philippe the Good has been prosperous for Holland, the Dutch nobility has no control over the nation's foreign policy and they long to reassert their sovereignty and be led by one of their own. Should the fortunes of Burgundy decline in its inevitable future conflicts with the king of France and and the Holy Roman Emperor, the opportunity to regain independence will likely appear. An independent Holland is in prime position to unify the wealthy Low Countries and dominate trade in the English Channel, all while under the protection of the Holy Roman Empire, but if Holland does not achieve independence soon after the first 50 years, it may be permanently annexed into the Burgundian realm.
- Overseas colonizer
- Holy Roman Empire member
- Small starting army
- Duchy tier at start
- Needs experience with managing trade flow
- Needs experience with escaping from unions
- Needs experience with Holy Roman Empire mechanics
- Needs alliances to prevent elimination
Less than two decades ago, the burghers of Holland helped the duke of Burgundy gain control of their duchy in order to thwart the local Dutch nobility and protect their own privileges. While the rule of Philippe the Good has been prosperous for Holland, the Dutch nobility has no control over the nation's foreign policy and they long to reassert their sovereignty and be led by one of their own. Should the fortunes of Burgundy decline in its inevitable future conflicts with the king of France and and the Holy Roman Emperor, the opportunity to regain independence will likely appear. An independent Holland is in prime position to unify the wealthy Low Countries and dominate trade in the English Channel, all while under the protection of the Holy Roman Empire, but if Holland does not achieve independence soon after the first 50 years, it may be permanently annexed into the Burgundian realm.
Session 1
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Victory Points
Empire of the Ottomans - 120 Kingdom of France - 89 Khanate of Timurids - 76 Archduchy of Austria - 54 Duchy of Savoy - 49 Kingdom of Castile - 46 Grand Principality of Muscovy - 40 Kingdom of Portugal - 35 Kingdom of Poland - 34 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 33 Duchy of Brandenburg - 12 Kingdom of England - 12 Duchy of Holland - 6 Kingdom of Denmark - 0 (1)* *Score including sympathy points |
Players - 1453 (sans Timurids, Mamluks)
Holy Roman Empire - 1466
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Political - 1466
Institutions - 1466 (Renaissance)
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Session 2
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Victory Points
Empire of the Ottomans - 265 Kingdom of France - 198 Grand Principality of Muscovy - 154 Khanate of Timurids - 143 Archduchy of Austria - 130 Kingdom of Portugal - 90 Kingdom of England - 76 Kingdom of Poland - 73 Duchy of Savoy - 72 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 67 Kingdom of Castile - 52 Duchy of Brandenburg - 23 Kingdom of Denmark - 11 Duchy of Holland - 9 |
Victory Cards
Transylvania (Hun) Guyenne (Eng) Finland (Swe) Jetysuu (Uzb) Burgundy (Fra) Flanders (Aus) Aydin (Ott) |
Political -1484
Institutions - 1484 (Renaissance)
Session 3
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Victory Points
Kingdom of France - 693 Empire of the Ottomans - 669 Grand Principality of Muscovy - 345 Archduchy of Austria - 179 Kingdom of Portugal - 163 Khanate of Timurids - 150 Kingdom of Poland - 126 Duchy of Savoy - 114 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 77 Kingdom of Castile - 64 Duchy of Brandenburg - 34 Kingdom of Denmark - 11 Duchy of Holland - 9 Kingdom of England - 0 |
Victory Cards
Guyenne Transylvania Finland (Swe) Burgundy (Fra) Jetysuu (Uzb) Aydin (Ott) Flanders (Aus, Fra) |
Political - 1505
Religion - 1505
Holy Roman Empire - 1505
Session 3
|
Victory Points
Kingdom of France - 1547 Empire of the Ottomans - 773 Grand Principality of Muscovy - 513 Archduchy of Austria - 297 Kingdom of Portugal - 241 Kingdom of Poland - 166 Khanate of Timurids - 153 Duchy of Savoy - 127 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 102 Kingdom of Castile - 83 Duchy of Brandenburg - 59 Kingdom of Denmark - 11 Duchy of Holland -104 Kingdom of England - 0 |
Victory Cards
Guyenne Transylvania (Pol) Finland (Swe) Burgundy (Fra) Jetysuu (Uzb) Aydin (Ott) Flanders (Aus, Fra) |
Players -1520
Political - 1520
Session 4
|
Victory Points
Kingdom of France - 1756 Tsardom of Russia - 1392 Empire of the Ottomans - 960 Archduchy of Austria - 571 Kingdom of the Commonwealth - 388 Kingdom of Portugal - 363 Kingdom of Castile - 262 Duchy of Holland -214 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 173 Empire of the Mughals - 158 Duchy of Savoy - 156 Duchy of Brandenburg - 60 Kingdom of Denmark - 22 Kingdom of England - 0 |
Victory Cards
Guyenne Finland Transylvania (Com) Burgundy (Fra) Bulgaria (Ott) Asturias (Por) Aydin (Ott) Jetysuu (Uzb) Flanders (Aus) |
Political - 1546
The New World - 1546
Session 5
|
Victory Points
Tsardom of Russia - 2219 Empire of the Ottomans - 2191 Kingdom of France - 2149 Archduchy of Austria - 786 Sultanate of Portugal - 431 Duchy of Holland - 344 Kingdom of Castile - 309 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 278 Duchy of Savoy - 185 Empire of the Mughals - 181 Kingdom of the Commonwealth - 172 Kingdom of Denmark - 147 Duchy of Brandenburg - 134 Kingdom of England - 0 |
Victory Cards
Lithuania (Com), Finland Crimea (Com), Transylvania Burgundy (Aus), Guyenne Picardy (Fra), Burgundy (Fra) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Balchasj (Oir, Rus), Jetysuu (Oir) Thrace (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Picardy (Fra, Aus), Flanders (Aus) |
Political - 1570
Religion - 1570
Session 6
|
Victory Points
Tsardom of Russia - 2485 Kingdom of France - 2344 Empire of the Ottomans - 1911 Archduchy of Austria - 1116 Kingdom of the Commonwealth - 864 Kingdom of England - 467 Sultanate of Portugal - 437 Kingdom of Castile - 429 Duchy of Holland - 408 Empire of the Mughals - 330 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 288 Duchy of Savoy - 205 Kingdom of Denmark - 154 Duchy of Brandenburg - 142 |
Victory Cards
Vilna (Com), Finland Burgundy (Aus), Guyenne Crimea (Com), Northern Transylvania (Com) Picardy (Pic), Burgundy (Fra) Picardy (Pic, Aus), Flanders (Aus) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) Balchasj (Oir, Rus), Jetysuu (Oir) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) |
Political - 1586
Trade - 1586
Session 7
|
Victory Points
Empire of the Ottomans - 3300 Tsardom of Russia - 2950 Kingdom of France - 2799 Archduchy of Austria - 1689 Grand Republic of the Commonwealth - 966 Kingdom of England - 896 Kingdom of Castile - 642 Empire of the Mughals - 570 Sultanate of Portugal - 477 Duchy of Holland - 473 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 320 Duchy of Savoy - 299 Kingdom of Denmark - 212 Duchy of Brandenburg - 186 |
Victory Cards
Crimea, Northern Transylvania Vilna (Com), Finland Burgundy (Aus), Guyenne Picardy (Fra), Burgundy (Fra) Northern Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Picardy (Fra, Aus), Flanders (Aus) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) Balchasj (Oir, Rus), Jetysuu (Oir) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Lombardy (Aus), Burgundy (Fra, Aus) Baltic Islands (Den), Wielkopolska (Com) |
Political - 1609
South Asia - 1609
Colonial Vregniff and Winnaloosa - 1609
Session 8
|
Victory Points
Tsardom of Russia - 4246 Empire of the Ottomans - 3960 Kingdom of France - 3425 Archduchy of Austria - 2401 Kingdom of England - 1401 Empire of the Mughals - 928 Grand Republic of the Commonwealth - 915 Kingdom of Castile - 659 Duchy of Holland - 596 Sultanate of Portugal - 595 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 429 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 340 Kingdom of Denmark - 265 Duchy of Brandenburg - 236 |
Victory Cards
Vilna, Finland Crimea, Northern Transylvania (Com) Burgundy (Aus), Guyenne Picardy (Fra), Burgundy (Fra) Picardy (Fra, Aus), Flanders (Aus) Balchasj (Oir, Rus), Jetysuu (Oir) Northern Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) Castile (Cas), Guyenne (Fra) Lombardy (Aus), Burgundy (Fra, Aus) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Mecklenburg (Bra), Lowlands (Eng) Baltic Islands (Den), Wielkopolska (Com) |
Political - 1629
Religion -1629
SESSION 8
|
Victory Points
Tsardom of Russia - 6201 Empire of the Ottomans - 5828 Kingdom of France - 3880 Archduchy of Austria - 2716 Kingdom of Great Britain - 1955 Empire of the Mughals - 1367 Duchy of Brandenburg - 934 Duchy of Holland - 742 Sultanate of Portugal - 722 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 429 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 349 Kingdom of Denmark - 301 Grand Republic of the Commonwealth - -710 Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Vilna, Finland Crimea, Northern Transylvania Burgundy (Aus), Guyenne Picardy (Fra), Burgundy (Fra) Picardy (Fra, Aus), Flanders (Aus) Balchasj (Oir, Rus), Jetysuu Baltic Islands (Den), Wielkopolska Castile (Cas), Guyenne (Fra) Lombardy (Aus), Burgundy (Fra, Aus) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Mecklenburg (Bra), Lowlands (Grb) Northern Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political -1643
Players - 1629
West Africa -1643
SESSION 9
|
Victory Points
Empire of the Ottomans - 7382 Tsardom of Russia - 7133 Kingdom of France - 4809 Archduchy of Austria - 3741 Kingdom of Great Britain - 2916 Empire of the Mughals - 2613 Kingdom of Prussia - 1728 Duchy of Holland - 1081 Sultanate of Portugal - 1005 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 481 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 394 Kingdom of Denmark - 380 Grand Republic of the Commonwealth - -1193 Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Astrakhan (Rus), Crimea, Northern Transylvania Khiva (Mug), Vilna, Finland Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Aus), Guyenne Picardy (Fra), Burgundy (Fra) Picardy (Fra, Aus), Flanders (Aus) Astrakhan (Rus), Balchasj (Rus), Jetysuu Skaneland (Den), Baltic Islands (Den), Wielkopolska Castile (Cas), Guyenne (Fra) Lombardy (Aus), Burgundy (Fra, Aus) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Mecklenburg (Bra), Lowlands (Grb) Northern Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political - 1668
Religion - 1668
The mysterious land of Stetson - 1668
SESSION 10
|
Victory Points
Empire of the Ottomans - 8443 Tsardom of Russia - 8170 Kingdom of Austria - 6216 Kingdom of France - 4986 Kingdom of Great Britain - 3630 Empire of the Mughals - 3193 Kingdom of Prussia - 2068 Sultanate of Portugal - 1292 Duchy of Holland - 1081 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 783 Kingdom of Scandinavia - 661 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 394 Kingdom of the Commonwealth - -1193 Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Astrakhan (Rus), Crimea, Northern Transylvania Khiva (Mug), Vilna, Finland Savoy (Sar), Picardy, Burgundy (Fra) Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Aus), Guyenne Picardy (Aus), Flanders (Aus) Astrakhan (Ott, Rus), Balchasj (Rus), Jetysuu Skaneland (Sca), Baltic Islands (Sca), Wielkopolska Castile (Cas, Fra), Guyenne (Fra) Lombardy (Aus), Burgundy (Fra, Aus) Mecklenburg (Bra), Lowlands (Grb) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Northern Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political - 1690
Holy Roman Empire - 1690
Trade - 1690
SESSION 10
|
Victory Points
Tsardom of Russia - 9195 Empire of the Ottomans - 9188 Empire of the Romans - 6290 Kingdom of France - 6016 Kingdom of Great Britain - 4585 Empire of the Mughals - 3555 Kingdom of Prussia - 2466 Sultanate of Portugal - 1612 United Provinces of the Netherlands - 1599 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 1287 Kingdom of Scandinavia - 975 Sultanate of the Mamluks - 397 Kingdom of the Commonwealth - resigned Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Khiva (Mug), Vilna, Finland Astrakhan (Rus), Crimea, Northern Transylvania Savoy (Sar), Picardy, Burgundy (Bur) Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Bur), Guyenne Picardy (Aus), Flanders (Aus) Astrakhan (Ott, Rus), Balchasj (Rus), Jetysuu Skaneland (Sca), Baltic Islands (Sca), Wielkopolska Castile (Ara), Guyenne (Fra) Lombardy (Aus), Burgundy (Bur) Mecklenburg (Bra), Lowlands (Grb) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Northern Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political - 1709
South Asia - 1709
SESSION 11
|
Victory Points
Tsardom of Russia - 10225 Empire of the Ottomans - 10153 Empire of the Romans - 9229 Kingdom of Great Britain - 5478 Kingdom of France - 4861 Empire of the Mughals - 4052 Kingdom of Prussia - 2538 United Provinces of the Netherlands - 2307 Sultanate of Portugal - 2282 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 2084 Kingdom of Scandinavia - 1303 Sultanate of Egypt - 458 Kingdom of the Commonwealth - resigned Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Khiva (Mug), Vilna, Finland Astrakhan (Rus), Crimea, N. Transylvania (Hre, Rus) Savoy (Sar), Picardy, Burgundy (Sar) Picardy (Hre), Flanders (Hre) Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Bur), Guyenne (Por) Astrakhan (Ott, Rus), Balchasj (Rus), Jetysuu Skaneland (Sca), Baltic Islands (Sca), Wielkopolska Castile (Ara), Guyenne (Fra) Upper Rhineland (Hre) Lombardy (Hre), Burgundy Mecklenburg, Lowlands (Grb) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) N. Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political - 1724
Religion - 1724
SESSION 12
|
Victory Points
Tsardom of Russia - 12576 Empire of the Romans - 11116 Empire of the Ottomans - 10357 Kingdom of Great Britain - 6697 Empire of the Mughals - 4960 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 3828 Sultanate of Portugal - 3809 Kingdom of Scandinavia - 3449 United Provinces of the Netherlands - 3375 Kingdom of Prussia - 1934 Sultanate of Egypt - 458 Kingdom of France - resigned Kingdom of the Commonwealth - resigned Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Khiva, Vilna, Finland Savoy (Sar), Picardy, Burgundy (Sar) Astrakhan (Rus), Crimea, N. Transylvania (Hre, Rus) Picardy (Hre), Flanders (Hre) Astrakhan (Ott, Rus), Balchasj, Jetysuu Upper Rhineland (Hre) Lombardy (Hre), Burgundy Loire (Fra), Castile, Guyenne Westphalia (Hre), Mecklenburg, Lowlands (Grb) Lower Saxony (Pru), Westphalia (Hre) Skaneland (Sca), Baltic Islands (Sca), Wielkopolska Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Bur), Guyenne (Por) N. Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political - 1746
Origins of the Institutions - 1746
SESSION 13
|
Victory Points
Empire of the Romans - 12284 Tsardom of Russia - 12065 Empire of the Ottomans - 11858 Kingdom of Great Britain (Leinster's Puppet) - 8326 Sultanate of Portugal - 8004 Empire of the Mughals - 7203 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 4763 United Provinces of the Netherlands - 4343 Kingdom of Prussia - 4049 Kingdom of Scandinavia - 2808 Sultanate of Egypt - 474 Kingdom of France - resigned Kingdom of the Commonwealth - resigned Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Savoy (Sar), Picardy, Burgundy (Sar) Crimea (Ott), Khiva, Vilna, Finland (Swe) Alfold (Hre), Astrakhan (Rus), Crimea, N. Transylvania Frisia (Net, Sca), Picardy (Hre), Flanders Brittany (Grb), Loire, Castile, Guyenne Nogai, Astrakhan (Ott, Rus), Balchasj, Jetysuu Upper Rhineland (Hre) Lombardy (Hre), Burgundy Lower Saxony (Pru), Westphalia (Hre) Skaneland (Sca), Baltic Islands (Sca), Wielkopolska Westphalia (Hre), Mecklenburg (Pru), Lowlands (Grb) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Bur), Guyenne (Por) N. Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political - 1765
Trade Regions - 1765
West Africa - 1765
SESSION 14
1765-1798
|
Victory Points
Empire of the Ottomans - 15461 Patriarchate of the Romans - 15027 Sultanate of Portugal - 12694 Empire of the Mughals - 12465 Kingdom of Great Britain - 11617 Tsardom of Russia - 8475 United Provinces of the Netherlands - 6627 Kingdom of Prussia - 6314 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 5422 Kingdom of Scandinavia - 2447 Great Republic of Egypt - 1549 Kingdom of France - resigned Kingdom of the Commonwealth - resigned Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Alfold (Hre), Astrakhan, Crimea, N. Transylvania Hudavendigar (Ott), Savoy (Sar), Picardy, Burgundy Brittany (Grb), Loire, Castile, Guyenne Nogai, Astrakhan (Ott), Balchasj, Jetysuu Frisia (Net, Sca), Picardy (Hre), Flanders Crimea (Ott), Khiva, Vilna (Pru), Finland (Sca) Lower Saxony (Pru), Westphalia (Hre, Pru) Skaneland (Sca), Baltic Islands, Wielkopolska Upper Rhineland (Hre) Lombardy (Hre), Burgundy (Hre) Westphalia (Hre, Pru), Mecklenburg (Pru), Lowlands (Grb) Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Bur), Guyenne (Por) N. Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Fra), Asturias (Por) |
Political - 1798
Colonial Vregniff and Winnaloosa - 1798
SESSION 15
1798-1821
|
Victory Points
Empire of the Ottomans - 19589 Federal Republic of the Romans - 15965 Sultanate of Portugal - 12842 Empire of Great Britain - 12502 Empire of the Mughals - 12427 Tsardom of Russia - 10244 Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - 7251 United Provinces of the Netherlands - 7073 Kingdom of Prussia - 6952 Great Republic of Egypt - 2588 Kingdom of Scandinavia - 2273 Kingdom of France - resigned Kingdom of the Commonwealth - resigned Kingdom of Castile - resigned |
Victory Cards
Alfold (Hre), Astrakhan, Crimea, N. Transylvania Hudavendigar (Ott), Savoy (Sar), Picardy (Grb), Burgundy (Grb) Brittany (Grb), Loire, Castile, Guyenne Frisia (Net, Sca), Picardy (Hre), Flanders Nogai, Astrakhan (Ott), Balchasj, Jetysuu Crimea (Ott), Khiva (Mug), Vilna (Pru), Finland Upper Rhineland (Hre) Lombardy (Hre), Burgundy (Hre, Grb) Lower Saxony (Pru), Westphalia (Hre, Pru) Skaneland (Sca), Baltic Islands, Wielkopolska Aleppo (Ott), Aydin (Ott) Westphalia (Hre, Pru), Mecklenburg (Pru), Lowlands (Grb) Savoy (Sar), Burgundy (Hre, Grb), Guyenne (Por) N. Transylvania (Ott), Bulgaria (Ott) Guyenne (Por), Asturias (Por) |
Players - 1798
Political - 1821
Asia and East Africa - 1821
Colonial Vregniff and Winnaloosa - 1821
Colonial Stetson, Qaxi, and Omurask - 1821
