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Let's Play Rule the Waves 3 - An Interactive Let's Play by Shebe Zuu

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Intelligence confirms that Great Britain is once again considering a substantial increase in their naval budget to retain their naval dominance.
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I'll take "turn messages I've seen a thousand times for 100, Alex"
Also quick to take advantage of the distraction of the European powers are the native peoples of Namibia, who flock to join Hendrik Witbooi's rebellion once it becomes clear no reinforcements will be arriving to assist the beleaguered German garrison. German forces reluctantly pull out shortly afterwards, leaving Namibia de-facto independent.
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A good thing, tbh. At 80% tech speed, the period between when oil firing makes sense and universal oil availability is low, so getting rid of useless colonies and thereby letting us concentrate the navy in Europe is a boon.
Prudent financial decisions and the foresight not to overreact to what had seemed like impending war left the Kaiserliche Marine with both a healthy budget surplus and a substantial financial reserve to start off the new year. With another armored cruiser just 2 months from completion, German yards are already clamoring for new orders. Though not an immediate concern, there are also worries within the Navy that if the amount of money on the Navy's books continues to grow unspent, other departments may attempt to have some of the funds reappropriated for their own purposes.
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We've got a few zeros to add onto the budget before that's a major issue :p

As for votes:
[X][BASE] Our most pressing concerns are still at home, and we have other ideas on how to spend our money. (Do not build the base)

Again, we gain nothing from the colonies. If we are at war with a European power, we'll be fighting them in the North Sea; if we're at war with Japan, Italy, or the United States, the Indian Ocean will not be a significant battlefield.

[X][TRAIN] Damage Control will be our specialty!

Damcon OP

[X][MOTHS] We are on a tight budget and cannot afford to spend money preparing for a war that may never come. (Keep major ships in reserve and put the rest in mothballs)
[X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)

[X][BUILD] Write-in: Our current battleships are sadly very weak. We should seek new designs that will allow us to secure the North Sea and Baltic.

I am once again asking for an effective battle line. Right now, we don't have ships to fight against the French, British, or Russians in a fleet action or larger battle (i.e., anything where battleships will show up). Longer range isn't an issue due to the naval geography, but a few strong, short-range battleships would be the best way to spend our money.

[X][FORTS] Our current coastal batteries are sufficient for our needs. (Build nothing)
[X][EGG] We can't accept anything less than the best in technology. (12% monthly spending - Current - MAX)
[X][RESEARCH] We cannot afford to rob Peter to pay Paul, all our technological endeavors are equally important. (No prioritization - Current)

[X][MAIL] Our attention should be on our most likely enemy, Russia. (Russia on high, everyone else on none)

Another write-in, focused on raising tensions with the most "beneficial" enemy IMO. If we're not putting it on high, we might as well save money where we can for building battleships.

[X][HONOR] We are willing to endure a few sneers and jeers if it's for the good of the nation. (Be pragmatic about spending Prestige for other benefits - Current)
[X][SUN] Our REAL enemy is clearly the perfidious nation of {Russia}! (Try to focus tension against a particular nation)
 
[X][SUN] Our REAL enemy is clearly the perfidious nation of FRANCE (Try to focus tension against a particular nation)
[X][HONOR] The honor of the Navy is paramount! (Try to keep Prestige as high as is practical)
[X][MAIL] Our attention should be on our most likely enemies. (Focus spending on high tension - Current)
[X][RESEARCH] We cannot afford to rob Peter to pay Paul, all our technological endeavors are equally important. (No prioritization - Current)
[X][EGG] Though scientific research is important, perhaps we could find better uses for some of this funding. (10% monthly spending)
[X][FORTS] We ought to invest more in the defense of our Empire! Make sure our possessions are properly protected. (Expand defenses in colonial holdings)
[X][BUILD] Our Bremen-class protected cruisers seem promising. Why not place a few more on order?
[X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)
[X][MOTHS] Our cruisers may well face the enemy alone and on the other side of the world, and need to maintain their edge. (Keep our cruisers active and place the rest in reserve)
[X][TRAIN] It is to early - and expensive - to commit to such training at the moment (No special training - Current)
[X][BASE] We need to increase our presence overseas, and we have the money to invest in it. (Build the base)
 
[X][SUN] Our REAL enemy is clearly the perfidious nation of FRANCE (Try to focus tension against a particular nation)
[X][HONOR] The honor of the Navy is paramount! (Try to keep Prestige as high as is practical)
[X][MAIL] Our attention should be on our most likely enemies. (Focus spending on high tension - Current)
[X][RESEARCH] We cannot afford to rob Peter to pay Paul, all our technological endeavors are equally important. (No prioritization - Current)
[X][EGG] Though scientific research is important, perhaps we could find better uses for some of this funding. (10% monthly spending)
[X][FORTS] We ought to invest more in the defense of our Empire! Make sure our possessions are properly protected. (Expand defenses in colonial holdings)
[X][BUILD] Our Bremen-class protected cruisers seem promising. Why not place a few more on order?
[X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)
[X][MOTHS] Our cruisers may well face the enemy alone and on the other side of the world, and need to maintain their edge. (Keep our cruisers active and place the rest in reserve)
[X][TRAIN] It is to early - and expensive - to commit to such training at the moment (No special training - Current)
[X][BASE] We need to increase our presence overseas, and we have the money to invest in it. (Build the base)
 
[X][SUN] Our REAL enemy is clearly the perfidious nation of FRANCE (Try to focus tension against a particular nation)
[X][HONOR] The honor of the Navy is paramount! (Try to keep Prestige as high as is practical)
[X][MAIL] Our attention should be on our most likely enemies. (Focus spending on high tension - Current)
[X][RESEARCH] We cannot afford to rob Peter to pay Paul, all our technological endeavors are equally important. (No prioritization - Current)
[X][EGG] Though scientific research is important, perhaps we could find better uses for some of this funding. (10% monthly spending)
[X][FORTS] We ought to invest more in the defense of our Empire! Make sure our possessions are properly protected. (Expand defenses in colonial holdings)
[X][BUILD] Our Bremen-class protected cruisers seem promising. Why not place a few more on order?
[X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)
[X][MOTHS] Our cruisers may well face the enemy alone and on the other side of the world, and need to maintain their edge. (Keep our cruisers active and place the rest in reserve)
[X][TRAIN] It is to early - and expensive - to commit to such training at the moment (No special training - Current)
[X][BASE] We need to increase our presence overseas, and we have the money to invest in it. (Build the base)
 
[X][BASE] Our most pressing concerns are still at home, and we have other ideas on how to spend our money. (Do not build the base)
[X][TRAIN] It is to early - and expensive - to commit to such training at the moment (No special training - Current)
[X][MOTHS] Our cruisers may well face the enemy alone and on the other side of the world, and need to maintain their edge. (Keep our cruisers active and place the rest in reserve)
[X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)
[X][BUILD] The new Furst Bismarck-class has proven to be even better than thought. Perhaps we ought to order a few more?
[X][FORTS] Our current coastal batteries are sufficient for our needs. (Build nothing)
[X][EGG] We can't accept anything less than the best in technology. (12% monthly spending - Current - MAX)
[X][RESEARCH] We should focus on coming up with new and innovative design schemes for our future fleet. (Prioritize Ship Design and Turrets & Gun Mountings)
[X][MAIL] Our first priority should be to keep an eye on our immediate neighbors. (Focus on Russia, France, and Great Britain)
[X][HONOR] We are willing to endure a few sneers and jeers if it's for the good of the nation. (Be pragmatic about spending Prestige for other benefits - Current)
[X][SUN] Our REAL enemy is clearly the perfidious nation of {RUSSIA}! (Try to focus tension against a particular nation)
 
[X][BASE] Our most pressing concerns are still at home, and we have other ideas on how to spend our money. (Do not build the base)
[X][TRAIN] It is to early - and expensive - to commit to such training at the moment (No special training - Current)
[X][MOTHS] Our cruisers may well face the enemy alone and on the other side of the world, and need to maintain their edge. (Keep our cruisers active and place the rest in reserve)
[X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)
[X][BUILD] The new Furst Bismarck-class has proven to be even better than thought. Perhaps we ought to order a few more?
[X][FORTS] Our current coastal batteries are sufficient for our needs. (Build nothing)
[X][EGG] We can't accept anything less than the best in technology. (12% monthly spending - Current - MAX)
[X][RESEARCH] We should focus on coming up with new and innovative design schemes for our future fleet. (Prioritize Ship Design and Turrets & Gun Mountings)
[X][MAIL] Our first priority should be to keep an eye on our immediate neighbors. (Focus on Russia, France, and Great Britain)
[X][HONOR] We are willing to endure a few sneers and jeers if it's for the good of the nation. (Be pragmatic about spending Prestige for other benefits - Current)
 
[X][BASE] We need to increase our presence overseas, and we have the money to invest in it. (Build the base)

[X][TRAIN] It is to early - and expensive - to commit to such training at the moment (No special training - Current)

[X][MOTHS] Our cruisers may well face the enemy alone and on the other side of the world, and need to maintain their edge. (Keep our cruisers active and place the rest in reserve)

[X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)

[X][BUILD] The new Furst Bismarck-class has proven to be even better than thought. Perhaps we ought to order a few more?

[X][FORTS] We ought to invest more in the defense of our Empire! Make sure our possessions are properly protected. (Expand defenses in colonial holdings)

[X][EGG] We can't accept anything less than the best in technology. (12% monthly spending - Current - MAX)

[X][RESEARCH] We cannot afford to rob Peter to pay Paul, all our technological endeavors are equally important. (No prioritization - Current)

[X][MAIL] Our attention should be on our most likely enemies. (Focus spending on high tension - Current)

[X][HONOR] We are willing to endure a few sneers and jeers if it's for the good of the nation. (Be pragmatic about spending Prestige for other benefits - Current)

[X][SUN] Though it is not our place to question the Kaiser, it is clear that the Navy cannot challenge Britain just yet… (Focus on avoiding a conflict with Britain - Current)
 
Out of curiosity, what's the rationale for voting Gefion as opposed to Furst Bismarck? They're pretty similar boats, but FB is better armored and slightly faster.
 
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  • Voting
    • Scheduled vote count started by Shebe Zuu on Jun 2, 2023 at 2:02 PM, finished with 8 posts and 7 votes.
    [base] [train] [moths] [docks] [build] [forts] [egg] [research] [mail] [honor] [sun]
    • 7
      [X][BASE] We need to increase our presence overseas, and we have the money to invest in it. (Build the base)
      [X][BASE] Our most pressing concerns are still at home, and we have other ideas on how to spend our money. (Do not build the base)
    • 7
      [X][TRAIN] It is to early - and expensive - to commit to such training at the moment (No special training - Current)
      [X][TRAIN] Damage Control will be our specialty!
    • 7
      [X][MOTHS] Our cruisers may well face the enemy alone and on the other side of the world, and need to maintain their edge. (Keep our cruisers active and place the rest in reserve)
      [X][MOTHS] We are on a tight budget and cannot afford to spend money preparing for a war that may never come. (Keep major ships in reserve and put the rest in mothballs)
    • 7
      [X][DOCKS] Larger dockyards are always a worthy investment. (Expand dockyards)
    • 7
      [X][BUILD] Our Bremen-class protected cruisers seem promising. Why not place a few more on order?
      [X][BUILD] The new Furst Bismarck-class has proven to be even better than thought. Perhaps we ought to order a few more?
      [X][BUILD] Write-in: Our current battleships are sadly very weak. We should seek new designs that will allow us to secure the North Sea and Baltic.
    • 7
      [X][FORTS] We ought to invest more in the defense of our Empire! Make sure our possessions are properly protected. (Expand defenses in colonial holdings)
      [X][FORTS] Our current coastal batteries are sufficient for our needs. (Build nothing)
    • 7
      [X][EGG] We can't accept anything less than the best in technology. (12% monthly spending - Current - MAX)
      [X][EGG] Though scientific research is important, perhaps we could find better uses for some of this funding. (10% monthly spending)
    • 7
      [X][RESEARCH] We cannot afford to rob Peter to pay Paul, all our technological endeavors are equally important. (No prioritization - Current)
      [X][RESEARCH] We should focus on coming up with new and innovative design schemes for our future fleet. (Prioritize Ship Design and Turrets & Gun Mountings)
    • 7
      [X][MAIL] Our attention should be on our most likely enemies. (Focus spending on high tension - Current)
      [X][MAIL] Our first priority should be to keep an eye on our immediate neighbors. (Focus on Russia, France, and Great Britain)
      [X][MAIL] Our attention should be on our most likely enemy, Russia. (Russia on high, everyone else on none)
    • 7
      [X][HONOR] We are willing to endure a few sneers and jeers if it's for the good of the nation. (Be pragmatic about spending Prestige for other benefits - Current)
      [X][HONOR] The honor of the Navy is paramount! (Try to keep Prestige as high as is practical)
    • 6
      [X][SUN] Our REAL enemy is clearly the perfidious nation of FRANCE (Try to focus tension against a particular nation)
      [X][SUN] Our REAL enemy is clearly the perfidious nation of {Russia}! (Try to focus tension against a particular nation)
      [X][SUN] Though it is not our place to question the Kaiser, it is clear that the Navy cannot challenge Britain just yet… (Focus on avoiding a conflict with Britain - Current)
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  • Voting
    • It seems we have a tie in the build category - however, since there are already some Bremen-class ships building, I'll break this in favor of the Furst Bismarck-class.
     
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    January 1891 Resolution
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    • The Kaiserliche Marine's OOB in 1891, since I forgot it earlier - Cruiser division 4 is the Furst Bismarck, which I intend to use on independent assignment


    Work begins on a new naval base in Tanganyika, along with some 5-inch batteries to protect it. Batteries are also commissioned to protect the natural harbor at Simpsonhafen (Rabaul) in the Bismarck Archipelago.


    Following the mandates of the Naval Control Board, the Navy finds itself running a slight deficit, though given the good state of the Navy's financial reserves this is not an immediate concern. With the new construction plan coming though, some look at the new corvettes ordered during the war scare as an unnecessary expense.
    ​

    How many Furst Bismarck-Class ships should be ordered? [ORDER]
    [][ORDER] Even with our reserves, it seems unlikely we can afford more than one...
    [][ORDER] We have the Prinz Adalbert finishing up construction in two months, which will put us in the position to order two more ships.
    [][ORDER] The Kaiser has been adamant about raising the budget and perhaps we can find some savings as well. We'll find the money for three.
    [][ORDER] If we cut all unnecessary expenses and pressure the Navy league to back us politically, surely we can put together the funding for four ships!

    Should the Navy attempt to save money by cancelling the planned squadron of corvettes? [CORV]
    [][CORV] Though not as high as before, tensions are still too heightened to consider cancelling any ships. (Keep the corvettes)
    [][CORV] Perhaps we do not need the corvettes right away. (Halt construction on the corvettes but do not cancel them. There will be a token fee to keep them in the yards)
    [][CORV] The corvettes seem unlikely to make much difference anyway, and we could use the money. (Cancel the corvettes)
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X][ORDER] If we cut all unnecessary expenses and pressure the Navy league to back us politically, surely we can put together the funding for four ships!
    [X][CORV] Perhaps we do not need the corvettes right away. (Halt construction on the corvettes but do not cancel them. There will be a token fee to keep them in the yards)
     
    [X][ORDER] Even with our reserves, it seems unlikely we can afford more than one...
    [X][CORV] The corvettes seem unlikely to make much difference anyway, and we could use the money. (Cancel the corvettes)

    There are two issues with lots of construction. The first, minor issue is that ship upkeep costs will increase by roughly half during wartime on average on top of needing to be taken out of mothballs. We don't have the savings stockpiled to be able to fight; I'd like at least twice what we have at the start of a war.

    Secondly, and far more importantly, we're pushing for war with France. France has 183 thousand tons of battleships. We have 39k. If we do not rapidly close this gap, then all these fancy new dock facilities that we're building overseas will be worthless when we get blockaded in the Northern Europe sea zone (and for those who haven't played RtW, if we get blockaded and can't break it, we effectively can't do anything outside of our home area; the most common way to decisively end a war is blockading the enemy into submission).
     
    [X][ORDER] We have the Prinz Adalbert finishing up construction in two months, which will put us in the position to order two more ships.
    [X][CORV] Though not as high as before, tensions are still too heightened to consider cancelling any ships. (Keep the corvettes)
     
    [X][ORDER] We have the Prinz Adalbert finishing up construction in two months, which will put us in the position to order two more ships.
    [X][CORV] Though not as high as before, tensions are still too heightened to consider cancelling any ships. (Keep the corvettes)
     
    [X][ORDER] We have the Prinz Adalbert finishing up construction in two months, which will put us in the position to order two more ships.
    [X][CORV] Though not as high as before, tensions are still too heightened to consider cancelling any ships. (Keep the corvettes)
     
    [X][ORDER] We have the Prinz Adalbert finishing up construction in two months, which will put us in the position to order two more ships.
    [X][CORV] Though not as high as before, tensions are still too heightened to consider cancelling any ships. (Keep the corvettes)

    We have a significant amount of spare funds, let's convert them into ships. And corvettes are unlikely to break your bank so keep them.

    One hidden bit of info about corvettes is that they care in which region they are set to protect trade. It may be a good idea to send a couple of them to the African colonies so they can fight against raiders there.
     
    [X][ORDER] We have the Prinz Adalbert finishing up construction in two months, which will put us in the position to order two more ships.

    [X][CORV] Though not as high as before, tensions are still too heightened to consider cancelling any ships. (Keep the corvettes)
     
    FortTell said:
    One hidden bit of info about corvettes is that they care in which region they are set to protect trade. It may be a good idea to send a couple of them to the African colonies so they can fight against raiders there.
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    We can't get raided if we're under blockade (they fixed USW sinking ships when people are blockaded), and anyone not in the Med will blockade us as soon as the war starts based on the info in the almanac. Countering raiders in the Indian Ocean will likely be very low priority, and KEs aren't good at countering AI surface raiders anyways; AMCs or CAs are better for that.
     
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    Vote closed
  • Voting
    • Scheduled vote count started by Shebe Zuu on Jun 3, 2023 at 2:54 PM, finished with 8 posts and 7 votes.
    [order] [corv]
    • 7
      [X][ORDER] We have the Prinz Adalbert finishing up construction in two months, which will put us in the position to order two more ships.
      [X][ORDER] If we cut all unnecessary expenses and pressure the Navy league to back us politically, surely we can put together the funding for four ships!
      [X][ORDER] Even with our reserves, it seems unlikely we can afford more than one...
    • 7
      [X][CORV] Though not as high as before, tensions are still too heightened to consider cancelling any ships. (Keep the corvettes)
      [X][CORV] Perhaps we do not need the corvettes right away. (Halt construction on the corvettes but do not cancel them. There will be a token fee to keep them in the yards)
      [X][CORV] The corvettes seem unlikely to make much difference anyway, and we could use the money. (Cancel the corvettes)
    Click to expand...
     
  • Voting
    • 1891 Mid-Year Report
  • Threadmarks
    • JULY, 1891
    ​
    Responding to continuing tensions, France has reportedly improved a new naval expansion.

    Our agents in Great Britain have managed to discover that their new King Alfred-Class armored cruisers (1 in service, 3 building) have a belt armor of 4 inches and turret armor of 4.5 inches.

    The American press is reported to be complaining their nation has too few cruisers.

    The Spanish press, noting the calls for American naval expansion, proclaims that Spain must build cruisers to match them.

    Tensions with America continue to decrease as the Kaiser's remarks start to be forgotten.

    Our agents in America have managed to discover that the protected cruiser USS Baltimore (1 ship in class) has 4 inch main guns.

    Our agents in America have obtained the blueprints of the Pittsburgh-class armored cruiser! Assessment to be provided separately below.


    Ships in Class: 4 building
    In the opinion of the Staff, the Pittsburgh-class appears wholly unimpressive. It has neither the firepower nor the speed to match up to most of our armored cruisers and would probably match up poorly against our new Bremen-class protected cruisers as well. To the extent that it has virtues, we can only suppose that it is relatively cheap, which may be why the underfunded US Navy has opted for them.

    Our researchers have reported on their work in several fields, speaking of potential advancements in armor, turret design, and hull construction - more specifically regarding a new 'Harvey Armor' type, concepts for mechanized loading systems, and improvements in our design calculations. However, all of these areas have suffered what the scientists describe as a 'temporary setback'.


    1891 starts off quite quietly, until the beginning of April, where Japanese ships display an inordinate amount of interest in German activities around the Bismarck archipelago. Though some push for a massive response against the incursion, most of the staff believes a war with Japan to be difficult to fight effectively and unlikely to yield anything of value for Germany. Instead they simply resolve to use the war scare to push for a higher budget.


    As July dawns, the new batteries in Dar es Salam and Simpsonhafen become operational, helping to secure the German colonial empire.




    Tensions have lessened yet more from 1890, though the Franco-German relationship remains at a low boil. Analysts also note the increasingly fraught relationship between the USA and Spain.


    As predicted by the accounting department, by mid-1891 Naval finances are back in the positive.


    The current dispositions of the world's naval forces, Jul. 1891


    Ships under construction, Jul. 1891    ​


    Ships currently in service, Jul. 1891 (some corvettes cut off at the bottom)
    ​
    THE QUESTION BEFORE THE NAVAL CONTROL BOARD​

    With 1891 thus far shaping up to be an entirely unexciting year, attention has naturally begun to turn to plans for the future. In particular, there is a great desire within the navy to begin developing a new class of battleships to help reach parity with the battlefleets of other European powers. If design work were to be started now, the plans ought to be able to be finished by the start of 1892, allowing construction to begin immediately. Should the Navy commission new battleship designs?

    [] Yes, let's hold a design contest!
    [] No, we have other plans for 1892.
    ​
    Voting will close in approximately 24 hours!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Yes, let's hold a design contest!

    Because sheesh we've got cruisers that outweigh our most modern battleships.
     
    [X] Yes, let's hold a design contest!

    I was hoping for better guns first but honestly now is a good time, and we do need some less shit battleships.
     
    [X] Yes, let's hold a design contest!

    Shame we waited this long; now that our tensions are this high with Britain they might not accept build orders from us (which means we can't steal tech from them by building ships there).
     
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