TERRA NOVA INVICTUS (Imperialism II AAR)

[PanzersEast]

THE SETUP:
I am starting with a Random Old World Map and playing as the Dutch.

Custom Difficulty (55)
Random Events: ON
Food Economy: COMPLEX
Luxury Economy: COMPLEX
Extra Income from Royal Estates: ON
Slower Computer Development: NORMAL

Other settings have been set to give me a slight advantage starting out in some areas and Normal in others, since I am a relative newb to the game. 



Here is the Old World Map starting out.

INTRO:
My Goal as the Dutch is to scout my lands as quickly as possible for resources and once I determine what my possible shortages are, take out the grey and fill it with Orange.  By trade I am a turtler player, however in this case it would be a determent to me and almost certain defeat.  So, I plan to be as aggressive as possible in the New World.  I must be very careful because if it is to my advantage to take territory in the Old Word, then I will take it.  For sure it will be a balance and to take advantage of any relationships I can build to manipulate to my side.  I also would like to grow my population rather quickly to build up a formidable military.

I for sure feel the pressure of having 3 Major Powers bordering myself, so I will have to strike a balance in the way I distribute my military.  I am going to try and stay away from conflict as much as possible, but given my starting location and the mad rush for the New World, this seems like wishful thinking.  I may look to see which of my neighbors gains the most strength and then buddy up to them.....   ah, the joys of expansion.


PE

[Martok]

Sweet.  :) 

[bbmike]

I just know that this is probably going to start me on yet another Imperialism II binge.  :P

[Staggerwing]

PE, from the painting you picked I'm hoping you will play as the Dutch. O0

[PanzersEast]

PE, from the painting you picked I'm hoping you will play as the Dutch. O0

Good catch, that is why I chose it and who I am playing as  O0

[bbmike]

Ouch, Holland is right in the middle of all those great powers. I think you're gonna need a bigger military.  I would prefer to be England in that setup.
I hardily approve of your other game settings. I always pick the extra income from Royal Estates (and still have money problems!).
Hopefully there will be lots of goodies in the New World! Now where's my strategy guide and game start icon...

[PanzersEast]

Ouch, Holland is right in the middle of all those great powers. I think you're gonna need a bigger military.  I would prefer to be England in that setup.
I hardily approve of your other game settings. I always pick the extra income from Royal Estates (and still have money problems!).
Hopefully there will be lots of goodies in the New World! Now where's my strategy guide and game start icon...

For sure not the desired starting point, however when I randomly generated it, I just went with it.... no matter how bad.  I was counting on it being interesting to see what happens given a interesting starting position.  I am nervous on keeping my standing in the Old World, but expanding in the New..... I will for sure need to find high value resources to stay alive.... I believe it will revolve around keeping a strong economy and trying to ally myself with the right person..... won't be able to do this one solo.


PE

[PanzersEast]

1502
JOURNAL ENTRY #1

Decisions:
2 Ships send in search of new world
1 Ship to remain behind in port
Recruitment: 1 Builder and 1 Explorer
Researching: Saw Mill (lvl 2 Timber), Sup. Hull Design (Large Merch), Speed Drill (Level 3 Grain Gath)
Producing: Textile (1) / Paper (1)
Expanding Roads

Situation:
With our precarious starting position and after careful deliberation with my advisors I have elected to begin my region and expansion by doing the following.  I have purchased an additional Explorer for the Old World to find much needed resources and once I feel I have enough scouted I will transfer him to the New World.  I also purchased an additional builder.  I am going to try and stand up my economy as quickly as possible to evaluate my needs.

I have split my navy up sending 2 ships to explore and 1 ship at home (I had considered sending all 3 ships, however I decided that may be a bad idea).  I am planning on building more, however I want to try and balance my economy and military... the main pressure I feel is getting to those areas of the New World that will yield me the most profit.



To further my population growth and timber I have decided on the following research areas:





Other News:
My rivals have already begun to influence those lesser nations, I have elected to wait and see.

[bbmike]

I have split my navy up sending 2 ships to explore and 1 ship at home (I had considered sending all 3 ships, however I decided that may be a bad idea).  I am planning on building more, however I want to try and balance my economy and military... the main pressure I feel is getting to those areas of the New World that will yield me the most profit.

Yes, and remember that ship back home can be used to transport more goods if needed.

[Martok]

Other News:
My rivals have already begun to influence those lesser nations, I have elected to wait and see.

I'm trying to remember (it's be been a little while now since I've played):  What's the value in establishing consulates in the other countries versus not doing so? 

[bbmike]

It allows you to trade with minor powers and they will like you more. If they like you enough you get first crack at whatever resources they sell.