Rommel? Guderian? Meet Coffee! (HOI3 - Germany)

[Coffee Warlord]

I give to you...a Hearts of Iron 3 dynasty!

We will be taking the reigns of pretty much the most interesting country to play - Germany. I'm pretty much going to wing it, though I have no intention of trying to conquer the world. My goal is more to end the game with Germany as a leading superpower, and Russia in shambles. Wars with France and the UK are pretty much inevitable, but I intend to try and get the western war ended as soon as as amicably as possible - the Commies are the true enemy.

I've played up through about 1938/early 1939 right now, (starts at 1936), which usually advances fairly straightforward, though I'll recap some interesting tidbits (a couple events are rather interesting).

Posts are going to be a mix of 'news' headlines (with some commentary), and once war starts breaking out, I'll detail our battle plans and such. I am, however, experimenting with the AI in this game, and will leave all Army control to the AI. Basically you set them a territory objective, and let the AI attack as it sees fit. Little more realistic and interesting. Couple exceptions - amphibious & airborne assaults will be manually controlled, as the AI apparently just cannot do these. Also, the Navy & Air Force will be controlled by me as well.

RECAP TIME!

[Coffee Warlord]

January 1, 1936
German Chancellor Announces Trade Agreement With Sweden!

Reich officials have announced a deal with Swedish officials to supply Germany with regular shipments of steel & iron, in exchange for an unspecified sums. British officials were noted as expressing some alarm over the possibility of a German re-armament, which were quickly dismissed by the German public relations office.

"Germany has the right to acquire the materials it needs to further our industrial goals. We will once again be a prosperous and advanced nation, and finely made German goods will be available throughout the world."

While initially some suspected that Norway, in a position to deny these shipments during the winter months (the normal Baltic passages being frozen over during this time), Norweigan officials chose to maintain warm relations with Germany, and allowed transit rights in exchange for small shipments of German grain & medical supplies.



February 8th, 1936
Versailles Treaty Broken - Wehrmacht Troops Occupy Rhineland!

A wave of shock swept across France today, as troops along the Maginot reported that German infantry divisions were deploying on the German side of the Rhine River, in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Though early reports indicate that these soldiers were merely deploying elsewhere within Reich territory, French officials dispatched letters of protest to both the German and British governments. Britain, for their own part, had little reaction to the event, and sources indicate that German diplomats were in the process of finalizing a treaty to allow the re-occupation of the Rhineland anyway. Other governments had little to say about the event, as many both publicly and privately believed that several parts of the Versailles treaty were long overdue for repeal.

This was actually just an error on my part. There's both an event and a decision to re-occupy the Rhineland. The decision is a negotiation event where Britain grants Germany permission to void that part of Versailles. However, as I was moving my initial troops to their position (Dutch Border), I wasn't paying attention and they actually crossed through the Rhine en route, triggering the event. Doesn't matter much, just generates an extra point or two of threat in France. Whoops. I'da preferred every edge to avoid looking threatening as possible.

At any rate, this event allows me to commence researching more modern naval technologies, which we immediately start researching aircraft carrier designs, as well as bigger guns & engines on our capital ships & cruisers.

[Coffee Warlord]

April 18th, 1936
Civil War Breaks Out In Spain!

For months, if not years, Republican Spain has had a tenous hold on power. In April, the situation exploded, with General Francisco Franco leading a rebellion against the Republic. Sensing an opportunity, the world reacts. Expeditionary forces were assembled and dispatched by both Germany and the Kingdom of Italy, throwing their support behind Franco's rebellion.

Not long after, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom intervened on behalf of the Republic, and all hell broke loose in Iberia.



May 12th, 1936
Ethiopia Surrenders to Italian Expeditionary Forces!

Despite protests from all across the globe, Italy has announced the annexation of Ethiopia, which will be integrated into the greater Italian East African Colonies. A military governor has been placed in control of the former provinces, to be under the direct control of Italy. German officials sent words of congratulations to Mussolini not long after, praising the Dictator's restoration of peace to Eastern Africa.

In other news, German officials have increased their funding for their embassies in the United States, Turkey, and Sweden, in the attempts to further improve relations in those countries.

In game terms, we are attempting to influence those countries towards the Axis. Since influencing nations takes a heckuva lot of time, effort, and diverts resources from research to diplomacy, we can only do it sparingly. I intend to leave influence on the US as long as I can, in the hopes they stay out of the war - it's almost impossible to get them to actually join the Axis. Best I can reasonably hope for is neutrality. Turkey & Sweden I want to get more closely aligned to us, and I flip my influence back and forth between those two for awhile. By 1938, Turkey is almost all the way aligned to the Axis, and Sweden is well on their way. Still going to be hard for either of them to actually JOIN us, but at least they're favorable to us.

[Coffee Warlord]

June 13th, 1937
Far East Explodes Into War!

Following a small incident over the Marco Polo Bridge, the Japanese Empire has declared war against the Republic of China. Soldiers from Korea and Manchuria have begun pouring into China, with reports of massive losses on both sides.

Not long after, a small set of incidents along the Japanese border with Russia escalated into a limited conflict between the two nations. However, after a series of battles, negotiators prevailed, with peace returning betwene Japan and the USSR. However, a long war between Japan and China seems inevitable.

In other Eastern news, following the treaty with Japan, the Soviets announced a non- aggression treaty with the Republic of China, allowing them to free up large numbers of troops to more closely monitor the Japanese front. The Communist-leaning People's Republic of China has also thrown their support behind their ideological adversaries, joining arms with the Kuomingtang to dispatch the Japanese invaders.



July 25th, 1937
Iberian Peace - Franco's Forces Surrender

Following the death of General Franco in the rout of Toledo, rebel forces have thrown down their arms and surrendered to the armies of the Spanish Republic. Despite support from Germany and Italy, the rebels were quite outmatched, quickly dispatched by the loyalist armies, with backing from British and Soviet forces. Despite the unfortunate ending, Major General von Richthofen of the German Expeditionary Force has noted several new innovations in air combat, and meetings with the Wehrmacht High Command have already been scheduled to implement sweeping changes to the Luftwaffe.

[Coffee Warlord]

October 4th, 1937
Germany Announces Anti-Comitern Pact!

In a formal show of unity against Soviet, and indeed any Communist aggression, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Japan, and the Republic of China have all announced the signing of the Anti-Comitern Pact. Though largely a paper tiger, and bearing little formal weight aside from a verbal agreement to slow communist expansion, officials in the Soviet Union were outraged, formally condemning such a treaty as "fearmongering propaganda".


February 2nd, 1938
Austria Annexed by Germany!

Wehrmacht troops marched side by side with the Austrian Army in Vienna today, as Austria formally was annexed by the German Reich, another direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. While the action was met with no bloodshed, many Austrian officials complained to the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. Though expressing some concern over the event, the Prime Minister stated that the world could not afford another Great War, treaty violation or not.

In honor of this event, Kriegsmarine Admiral Raedar held a formal ceremony announcing that construction has commenced on the German Navy's first Aircraft Carriers. Hulls were laid down on the three massive vessels at the shipyards in Wismar. The ships, named KMS Graf Zeppelin, KMS Peter Strasser, and KMS Barbarossa respectively, are expected to be formally comissioned and activated within 2 years.

It is interesting to note, that only 2 years ago, even the construction of such ships would have been in violation of prior treaties.

[finketr]

Is Captain von Trapp going to be in command of one the carriers?

[Coffee Warlord]

The Kriegsmarine would never allow such a lowly Austrian to command one of the prides of the fleet. Raedar'd happily assign him a nice command in the 10th Amphibious Group, captaining a troop transport. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

1938 - 1939
The World In Summary

I'm running out of time before the end of work, and would like to get up to where I am in game, where things actually start to get interesting.

- A second incident between Japan and the USSR results in all-out war between the two countries. Attempts at mediation fail, with Japan now facing war between both China and the Soviets. Trouble for Japan, who have repeatedly asked to join the Axis pact, only to be ignored by Germany.

- Speaking of which, Italy and Germany formally announce an alliance, officially forming the Axis Pact.

- France goes into a brief civil war, though all out fighting is averted with the resignation of their Prime Minister.

- Spain somehow got into a war with Morocco and annexed it. I have no idea how it happened, but Republican Spain now controls Morocco.

- Germany continues their 'peaceful' expansion, annexing the Sudetenland at first, then dividing the remainder of Czechoslovakia between themselves, Italy, Hungary, and the newly formed Slovakia, a client state of the Reich. Days later, the British, fearful of further expansion, offer their support to Poland. The prideful Polish, however, refuse any such support, in the hopes of brokering a treaty with Germany to preserve the peace.

- Sensing weakness, but still wary of a two-front war, Germany reaches out to the Soviet Union and concludes a secret non-aggression treaty, dividing Poland between the two powers. Though hostilities have not broken out yet, Poland is now on borrowed time.

- Which brings us to current day. Germany has elected not to lay claim to Memel, considering it strategically unimportant. Our buildup continues, as we prepare for an invasion of Poland (who, not being backed by the Allies, will make it hopefully easy for us to invade and settle). The USSR and Japan are at war, though little progress has been made there. Japan has made some inroads into China, despite being at war with the Soviets as well. The US is still in the depths of the Great Depression, and our diplomats remain hard at work influencing them. Turkey is about as far aligned with the Axis as they are going to get, so our other diplomats are working on Sweden. We've also spent large amount of our spy budget in increasing the threat generated by the USSR, with the hopes that the West sees them as far more dangerous than us.

I'll map out our planned military order of battle shortly. It's not even CLOSE to built, but our production goals are at least laid out.

[Coffee Warlord]

Order of Battle Breakdown


- Division Breakdowns
- Infantry: 3x Infantry, 1x Support
- Lt Armor: 2x Light Armor, 1x Mechanized Infantry, 1x Mechanized Support
- Md Armor 2x Medium Armor, 1x Motorized Infantry, 1x Support
- Mechanized: 2x Mechanized Infantry, 1x Mechanized Support, 1x Tank Destroyer
- Marines: 4x Marines
- Airborne: 4x Paratroopers


Note, a few of our Infantry Divisions contain some Mountaineer brigades instead of general infantry, but they are rare, and the only reason I have them is because I inherited them when we annexed Austria. I don't expect to be doing a whole lot of mountain fighting, so I don't have many. Also as an FYI, a 'support' brigade is defined as a combination of artillery, engineers, anti-aircraft guns, etc, etc. And lastly, our planned breakdown of Armored Corps includes 2 Light Armor divisions and 3 Medium Armor divisions. Aside from that, everything else should be interpreted as a straight 5 Division Corps of whater the label says. AKA - an Infantry Corps would contain 5 Infantry divisions, a Mechanized Corps would contain 5 Mechanized divisions. etc.


- Fleet Breakdowns
- Task Force: 2x Carriers, 2x Light Carriers, 2x Battlecruisers + 12 escort cruisers/destroyers.
- Submarine Group: 3x Submarine Flotillas
- Amphibious Group: 8x Transport Flotillas


The plan is to have a straight 4/4/4 breakdown of escort ships - 4 heavy cruisers, 4 light cruisers, 4 destroyers. If and when things get sunk, or we're crunched for production time (very likely), that will change.


- Air Force Breakdown
- Fighter Wing (L): 4x Light Fighters (basically standard fighters)
- Fighter Wing (H): 4x Heavy Fighters (longer range multi-role planes - can do air superiority or ground attacks)
- Bomber Wing (L): 4x Light Bombers (single engine dive bombers)
- Bomber Wing (M): 4x Medium Bombers (two engine bombers)
- Airborne Wing: 6x Transport Planes


And when I say 4x fighters, that's not 4 planes, that's 4 combat wings (about 3-4 squadrons apiece).

[Coffee Warlord]

German Werhmacht (Proposed Order of Battle - Subject to Change)


Heer (Army)
- Eastern Command
- Army Group East (Northern Polish Front)
- 1st Army
- 11th Infantry
- 12th Infantry
- 13th Infantry
- 14th Armored
- 15th Mechanized

- 2nd Army
- 21st Infantry
- 22nd Infantry
- 23rd Infantry
- 24th Armored
- 25th Mechanized

- Army Group South (Southern Polish/SE Europe Front)
- 4th Army
- 41st Infantry
- 42nd Infantry
- 43rd Infantry
- 44th Armored
- 45th Mechanized

- 8th Army
- 81st Infantry
- 82nd Infantry
- 83rd Armored
- 84th Armored
- 85th Mechanized


- Western Command
- Army Group North (Dutch/Belgian/Danish Fronts)
- 3rd Army
- 31st Infantry
- 32nd Infantry
- 33rd Infantry
- 34th Armored
- 35th Mechanized

- 6th Army
- 61st Infantry
- 62nd Infantry
- 63rd Armored
- 64th Armored
- 65th Mechanized

- 9th Army
- 91st Armored
- 92nd Marines
- 93rd Marines
- 94th Airborne
- 95th Mechanized

- Army Group West (French Front)
- 5th Army
- 51st Infantry
- 52nd Infantry
- 53rd Infantry
- 54th Armored
- 55th Mechanized

- 7th Army
- 71st Infantry
- 72nd Infantry
- 73rd Armored
- 74th Armored
- 75th Mechanized


Luftwaffe (Air Force)
- 1st Air Group
- 11th Fighter Wing (L)
- 12th Fighter Wing (L)
- 13th Fighter Wing (L)
- 14th Fighter Wing (L)
- 15th Fighter Wing (L)

- 2nd Air Group
- 21st Fighter Wing (L)
- 22nd Fighter Wing (L)
- 23rd Bomber Wing (L)
- 24th Bomber Wing (L)
- 25th Bomber Wing (M)
- 26th Fighter Wing (H)

- 3rd Air Group
- 31st Fighter Wing (L)
- 32nd Fighter Wing (L)
- 33rd Bomber Wing (L)
- 34th Bomber Wing (L)
- 35th Bomber Wing (M)
- 36th Fighter Wing (H)

- 4th Air Group
- 41st Fighter Wing (L)
- 42nd Fighter Wing (L)
- 43rd Bomber Wing (L)
- 44th Bomber Wing (L)
- 45th Bomber Wing (M)
- 46th Fighter Wing (H)


Kriegsmarine
- 1st Fleet
- 1st Task Force
- 2nd Task Force
- 5th Submarine Group
- 6th Submarine Group
- 9th Amphibious Group

- 2nd Fleet
- 3rd Task Force
- 4th Task Force
- 7th Submarine Group
- 8th Submarine Group
- 10th Amphibious Group


And yes. It's very, very ambitious. That would, in fact, be 8 aircraft carriers. It's gonna take awhile. You'll also note I'm fairly anal when it comes to my armies. I've found the 3 infantry corps / 1 armored corps / 1 mechanized corps is a good breakdown for an army, and its aesthetically pleasing. :) Most of those are front-line armies, with the more mechanized armies providing the extra punch where I need support. 9th Army is to be my wildcard, containing my marine and airborne corps. The armored/mechanized corps attached are intended to provide a breakout once the marines and airborne units secure a beachhead.

The 1st Air Group is intended to be our aerial wall. Groups of interceptors stationed across Germany to intercept any invading planes. The other 3 air groups will be where the action is, providing both air superiority and bombing runs.

[xjayex]

Love the Hearts of Iron games. Are you using any of the DLC?

[Coffee Warlord]

Unless you count the expansions. I have Semper Fi and For the Motherland, and am using Historical Plausibility Project mod with a couple of alterations of my own - some of the hardcoded AI decisions I changed to a 50/50 random chance. That's how, for instance, Poland decided to quite kindly reject the UK's offer of protection. Gave Germany a little more starting industry & resources (HPP mod eats them by quite a bit, and I jack it back up for fun factor).

[Coffee Warlord]

Europe, October 1939
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xu-AUPM85jg/UOt0tp4GGiI/AAAAAAAAAi0/dBw__Sx2xOI/s800/HoI3_1.jpg

Asia, October 1939
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HK5Hw3GD03Y/UOt0tsXdEMI/AAAAAAAAAi8/CkDLD1EvGE0/s800/HoI3_2.jpg

Note China-Nanjing, a Japanese puppet state. I actually hadn't been paying attention to the East as much. Japan is doing much better than expected, especially since they are still at war with the USSR.

[sterlingice]

I am disappointed to not have seen this, considering the title:

"Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?"
"Yes."
"Morons."

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

I am disappointed to not have seen this, considering the title:

"Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?"
"Yes."
"Morons."

SI

Even better, we'll get into a land war in Asia soon enough. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

April 3rd, 1940
German High Command - Department of Planning

Operation Sterling Ice
The invasion of Poland has been green-lit, and will commence on or about June of 1940. It will consist of Army Group East (1st Army & 2nd Army), and Army Group South (4th Army & 8th Army). 1st & 4th Armies are fully operational, while 2nd & 8th Armies are lacking several mechanized divisions. We are fully confident they will not be necessary, and full rollout of those divisions will not be complete before winter. Therefore, we move now.

Army Group East will be tasked with the invasions of Danzig, Warsaw, Lodz and some hellhole with a B and an L in the name. We cannot pronounce it, much less spell it.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qmkrbgGIM_o/UOuH56g91xI/AAAAAAAAAjU/NHweGQLkVno/s800/HoI3_6.jpg

Army Group South will be assigned Krakow and Lwow, with an element to swing north to link with Army Group East in Lodz.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GBGdS7ge6ns/UOuH6D4qKvI/AAAAAAAAAjY/5q6WPMRudK4/s800/HoI3_5.jpg

Air support will be unfortunately limited. Our production run of aircraft is yet unfinished. Elements of several different groups will be assigned to the area, basically whatever we have available. Luckily, this is Poland. Air superiority should be easy enough to acquire.

Mobilization will start immediately, we expect it to take about 2 months to fully mobilize our forces.

[sterlingice]

An excellently named campaign that is doomed to succeed!

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

May 4th, 1940
War Breaks Out In Europe!

At precisely 7am on May 4th, guns rang out, signaling the start of war returning to Europe. A formal declaration of war was delivered at 6:59am by the German ambassador in Warsaw, with the tanks already rolling into position, and aircraft already en route.

[Coffee Warlord]

May 19th, 1940
Russian Bear Extends Its Claws

In a shocking development, even as German troops steamroll their way across Poland, the Soviet Union has declared war on Poland. Massed infantry plods into Poland from the east, enveloping Poland in a two front war from which it is unlikely to escape.


May 26th, 1940
Poland Surrenders!

At 1am, mere hours after the fall of Warsaw to the German Wehrmacht, Poland troops officially surrendered to the forces of the Reich. The world remains in uproar over this unprovoked invasion, with nations condemning both German and Soviet actions. However, in less than a month, peace has returned to Europe. How long will it last?

[Coffee Warlord]

May 26th, 1940
German High Command, Department of Planning

Operation Sterling Ice - Review

With our forces fully mobilized a month earlier than planned, the Operation is launched May 4. Advances are, in line with our theories on lightning war, fast and victorious. The Polish military was completely unprepared, and resistance was swept quickly away.

Within 10 days, Danzig was secure, and Army Group East was on the outskirts of Warsaw, preparing for siege.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-haP94UAuuV4/UOucqLoVziI/AAAAAAAAAj8/0vZSOtiNWh4/s800/HoI3_8.jpg

The city would not be directly attacked for almost 2 weeks, as Army Group East spread out to envelop the north and east sections, while waiting for Army Group South to link up and strike from the south.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U91ok8IAPQE/UOudCXWtNTI/AAAAAAAAAkU/Mfisy1wlCwQ/s800/HoI3_9.jpg

By the afternoon of May 25th, Warsaw fell, and Polish soldiers everywhere began surrendering. It was formalized the following day.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EcbRgdxSc20/UOudJCBuX1I/AAAAAAAAAkc/iJNapiO6R8A/s800/HoI3_10.jpg

2 days later, the Soviets demanded their section of Poland, in honor of treaties. Germany agreed, and Poland was divided between the two beligerents. German troops demobilized, and will quickly establish a defensive line with the far more terrifying Russians.

Army Group East will, for the time being, be spread across the entire eastern front. 1st, 2nd, and 8th Armies have been placed under the command of Field Marshal Hauser. Field Marshal Guderian will transfer to Army Group South for the time being, which will contain only 1 Army (the 4th), to be stationed near Yugoslavia.

Field Marshal Manstein, the heroic commander of Army Group South (Guderian had the East Group) will be transfered to Army Group West, which faced down France. To the North, his college Rommell commands 3 Armies along the Benelux border.

[Coffee Warlord]

June 28th, 1940
USSR Continues Aggressive Expansion - Baltic States Annexed

Following a deeply troubling invasion of Poland, the USSR has continued its campaign of expansion, declaring the independent nations of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to be part of the USSR. Backed by the seemingly infinite Red Army, these small nations had little choice in the matter. Lithuania and Latvia immediately capitulated, surrendering their lands to the Soviet Union. Only tiny Estonia defied the will of the Comitern, and they paid the price. 26 days after the ultimatum was sent, Russian troops held the capital, and, according to many reports, had the entire ruling body of Estonia executed on the spot.

Many nations expressed outrage at such blind power grabs. Prime Minister Chamberlain went on record to say the USSR's actions stand in far worse light than even the recent German expansions. Even French diplomats noted they feel the biggest threat to peace in the world right now is the USSR, not Germany.

German officials were quick to condemn the USSR as well, noting that Germany's own expansions were of territory that historically belonged to Germany. "The Soviets have neither right nor claim to the free Baltic states. This terrible act of aggression will not be forgotten." Rumors have it that provisions of the still-secret treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union did in fact contain explicit permission for the USSR to claim the Baltic region, a point which has been vehemently denied by German sources.

[sterlingice]

Is Captain von Trapp going to be in command of one the carriers?

How about the KMS Dirk Nowitzki? Or the laundry ship David Hasselhoff?

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

Laundry ship? LAUNDRY SHIP!?!?

In Germany, ve do not do laundry. Ve hav clothes zat patriotically clean zemzelves, for ze glory of ze Fatherland.

[Coffee Warlord]

August 2, 1940
Soviet Juggernaut Advances Into China

Japanese positions in Korea and China have been greatly comprimised, as Russian forces overwhelm key strongholds in Manchuria and the Korean penninsula. By early August, Japanese forces in both areas unconditionally surrendered, with the Soviets formally annexing Manchukuo into the USSR, and setting up a puppet regime in Korea known as the People's Republic of Korea.

Japanese forces continue to gain ground in southern China, but while they wage war against the hapless Chinese, their northern armies suffer defeat after defeat at the hands of the Red Army.


September 6th, 1940
Soviets Advance As Japanese Emperor's Sanity Questioned

More trouble for the Japanese Empire as the Soviets formally annexed the puppet state of Mengjiang, near the Mongolian border. This places almost all of northern China under the direct authority of the Soviet Union, which also includes the satellite state of Korea. In a move that has been described by several western leaders as "absolutely insane", Japan has taken the news of the loss by...declaring war on Tibet, opening yet another front in their Asian war.

Many have publicly questioned the sanity of the Japanese Emperor after this move, though some express doubts as to how much information the head of the Empire is actually given. Many privately believe the Emperor's ministers and generals are feeding the leader false information of victory, even while his Chinese holdings crumble.

In other news, political turmoil in Romania has caused a shift in ideology towards one more friendly to the German Reich. As a direct result, German and Italian diplomats gathered in the Romanian capital to sign a series of treaties, expanding the Axis Pact to now number Germany, Italy, and Romania.


I have no idea what the fuck the Japanese are doing. They are crushing China in the south, but every step south they make, the Russians just take from them. Tibet's not exactly a challenge, but they're already losing badly in China - they don't need MORE enemies. I'm not particularly fond of the idea of Russia having all the resources of China at their disposal, but that's how things are shaping up. Not good.

[finketr]

loving this dynasty. keep it up, CW.

[Coffee Warlord]

Fair warning - it could be paused for a couple of days. Wheel of Time should be delivered to my house tonight. Guess what I'll be doing in the evening. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

November 22nd, 1940
Axis Powers Expand To Counter Increased Russian Threat

Berlin hosted ambassadors from Italy, Romania, and Hungary as the latter country formally joined the Axis pact today. Citing increased threat from the ever-aggressive Soviet Union, the Hungarians publicly condemned the belligerent regime, and stated that the Hungarian people were proud to stand with their new allies against the Communist threat.


And this is about where I left off last night. Europe is quiet, though nations are starting to line up and take sides. Asia is a clusterfuck, and I'm not sure what to do about Russia right now. With all those Chinese resources available, they're gonna be an absolute bitch to invade. They'd be tough right now, especially since I'm fairly convinced the Allies would attack me were I to mobilize and invade Russia - my threat with them is still under the danger zone, but mobilizing my armies would probably put me over the limit.

I think what's going to have to happen is an all-out invasion of Western Europe first, including an invasion of Britain. Our navy is actually getting pretty strong, to where I think we could hold the North Sea for long enough to land troops into the isles. France and the Low Countries are, of course, no problem, but there won't be peace in the west until Britain offers terms, which will require an invasion.

We've got 4 Armies + our Special Forces Army in the West, which should be enough (though I may transfer 1 more Army over). Russia, however, is going to require a LOT more troops, and until the west is settled, we can't divert enough troops to make a serious dent.

[Autumn]

This is a fun read, I hope you keep it up. makes me want to bust out HoI2 which I have and have never really tackled.

[sterlingice]

Fair warning - it could be paused for a couple of days. Wheel of Time should be delivered to my house tonight. Guess what I'll be doing in the evening. :)

You were just supposed to have some posts in the can so you could post them when there was a lull, duh. Geez: Dynasty Writing 101. For penance, you will be forced to post more to the dynasty today or tomorrow.

SI

[sterlingice]

November 22nd, 1940
Axis Powers Expand To Counter Increased Russian Threat

Berlin hosted ambassadors from Italy, Romania, and Hungary as the latter country formally joined the Axis pact today. Citing increased threat from the ever-aggressive Soviet Union, the Hungarians publicly condemned the belligerent regime, and stated that the Hungarian people were proud to stand with their new allies against the Communist threat.


And this is about where I left off last night. Europe is quiet, though nations are starting to line up and take sides. Asia is a clusterfuck, and I'm not sure what to do about Russia right now. With all those Chinese resources available, they're gonna be an absolute bitch to invade. They'd be tough right now, especially since I'm fairly convinced the Allies would attack me were I to mobilize and invade Russia - my threat with them is still under the danger zone, but mobilizing my armies would probably put me over the limit.

I think what's going to have to happen is an all-out invasion of Western Europe first, including an invasion of Britain. Our navy is actually getting pretty strong, to where I think we could hold the North Sea for long enough to land troops into the isles. France and the Low Countries are, of course, no problem, but there won't be peace in the west until Britain offers terms, which will require an invasion.

We've got 4 Armies + our Special Forces Army in the West, which should be enough (though I may transfer 1 more Army over). Russia, however, is going to require a LOT more troops, and until the west is settled, we can't divert enough troops to make a serious dent.

Whatever you say, Hitler. How'd that turn out? I forget.

I say you ally with Japan and then you can see just how crazy their Emperor is when he bombs the United States and you get to replay pretty much the whole of WW2

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

Whatever you say, Hitler. How'd that turn out? I forget.

I say you ally with Japan and then you can see just how crazy their Emperor is when he bombs the United States and you get to replay pretty much the whole of WW2

This is a smarter, kinder, gentler Germany, Mein Herr! We go to war on OUR terms!

And besides. Hitler didn't have aircraft carriers. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

You were just supposed to have some posts in the can so you could post them when there was a lull, duh. Geez: Dynasty Writing 101. For penance, you will be forced to post more to the dynasty today or tomorrow.

SI

So sue me for writing the news while they were still fresh in my mind!

You know, we got names for people like you, who question the Grand Plan. Traitors. We got things for traitors. They're called bullets.

[sterlingice]

So sue me for writing the news while they were still fresh in my mind!

You know, we got names for people like you, who question the Grand Plan. Traitors. We got things for traitors. They're called bullets.

Well, I know I'm safe for at least 2 days :D

SI

[Chief Rum]

July 25th, 1937
Iberian Peace - Franco's Forces Surrender

Following the death of General Franco in the rout of Toledo, rebel forces have thrown down their arms and surrendered to the armies of the Spanish Republic. Despite support from Germany and Italy, the rebels were quite outmatched, quickly dispatched by the loyalist armies, with backing from British and Soviet forces. Despite the unfortunate ending, Major General von Richthofen of the German Expeditionary Force has noted several new innovations in air combat, and meetings with the Wehrmacht High Command have already been scheduled to implement sweeping changes to the Luftwaffe.

And so ends a great SNL bit in the future, some 40 years later. So sad.

[PilotMan]

This is a fun read, I hope you keep it up. makes me want to bust out HoI2 which I have and have never really tackled.

+1

[Simbo Klice]

Agreed, a good read and I look forward to seeing how you crush the Untermensch.

[Coffee Warlord]

December 18th, 1940
Axis Pact Called To Arms In Yugoslavian Betrayal

The ink was not even dry on the treaty formally bringing Yugoslavia into the Axis powers before armed soldiers entered the capitol, deposing the Yugoslavian monarch and executing him. Two days later, after announcing the Axis treaty null and void, Germany intervened, vowing to liberate the Kingdom. At Germany's request, the Kingdom of Italy dispatched troops to assist, and Europe is once again at war.

Though the Yugoslavian provisional government requested aid from the Allies in what they called another aggressive war of conquest by Germany, neither France nor Britain responded. In something of a surprise, there were no condemnations by any of the Great Powers. It seems Yugoslavia has erred - badly.

The German 4th Army, led by Heinz Gudarian, has been called into action.

[Coffee Warlord]

February 18th, 1941
Balkan Conflict Concluded - Yugoslavia Partitioned

In another stunning victory for the German Wehrmacht, and supported by their new allies, Bulgaria, who joined the Axis powers in January, the German 4th Army steamrolled their way through the rebellious Yugoslavian countryside, capturing nearly every major city in less than two months. Faced with no escape, as the might of the combined Axis armies surrounded them on all sides, the provisional Yugoslavian government was forced to surrender.

German forces 2 weeks after firing began.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0rl8dViAnEE/UO4dXSh8GVI/AAAAAAAAAlI/OosBbPefQOs/s800/HoI3_13.jpg

German advance by Feb 4.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yK41lRFHNPY/UO4ddnLx0LI/AAAAAAAAAlU/v1i9hlF5q10/s800/HoI3_14.jpg

Witnessed by Field Marshal Guderian, along with Italian & Bulgarian officials, the Yugoslavian regime signed the Balkan Accords, formally disbanding the nation of Yugoslavia. Pieces of the land would be divided between Italy and Bulgaria, with the bulk of the terroritory being partitioned into two new states, Croatia and Serbia. Both were immediately folded into the Axis Pact, bringing every eastern european country into the Axis Powers, save Albania and Greece.

Political Map after the Balkan Accords, Feb 18, 1941
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YloIzXh4V5k/UO4ddi0r0YI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/1Wil_t-nrcM/s800/HoI3_15.jpg

[Coffee Warlord]

May 20, 1941
Japanese Losses Mount as USSR Advances

With Europe quiet, the war in the far east still rages, as Japan continues to lose territory to the Russian Bear. In May, the Japanese client state, China-Nanjing, formally surrendered its remaining territory. Claiming the right of conquest, the USSR annexed pieces of the northern territory, with the Republic of China reclaiming much of their lost territory.


December 8th, 1941
Treaty of Beijing Signed - Republic of China Joins Axis Powers

With Japan being almost entirely driven out of mainland Asia, save for a tiny speck of land along the Chinese east coast, a deal was struck today between Chinese and German diplomats. Citing an increased threat from Russia, as well as a desire to deter any other invasion attempts into their homeland, Chinese officials struck a deal with German-led Axis powers.

Reich military leaders assured the public that this would not mark an entry into the Sino-Japanese war, as both sides felt it would be an unnecessary expense at this point. Both European and Chinese officials believed the defeat of the Japanese Expeditionary Force would be achieved within a few months, and no German force could be moved east in time to aid.

Regardless, the Axis pact now has a major presence in the Far East, opening another front with Russia, should war come.

[Coffee Warlord]

End of 1941
German High Command - Department of Planning

1941 was very, very quiet in Europe. Save for the conclusion of the brief Yugoslavian conflict, nothing much happened. Germany continued its rapid expansion of their military, and several of our capital ships have been completed. We are still very behind on escort vessels for our carriers, but 2 of the 4 proposed task forces have their full allotment of aircraft carriers. Our production queues are mostly booked up with light and heavy cruisers right now, though we're still also behind in expanding the Luftwaffe.

The biggest problem right now is our supply of steel. We simply don't have enough of it, and our supply of rare materials is also right on the brink of being unable to support our military & economy. That's a bit of a problem, and, well, war seems the only way to solve it.

It looks like our attempts to generate threat in the USSR are not going to be enough to sway the Allies to declare outright on them - they are still the most threatening country to France, but it's not high enough to matter. Speaking of the USSR, they're a scary, scary place. They've moved their defensive lines to Poland, and there are several hundred thousand troops on each side just staring at each other.

The USSR is clearly the biggest threat, and who I WANT to invade first, but I'm just not sure I have the forces to break through, and I'm still worried about being nailed by the Allies while my attention is east. Two front wars are bad, mmkay? Of course, if we go the other way, it'll be a fairly drawn out war - we can anhiliate the continent fast, but our Navy is not ready to take on the Brits. Russia will just get stronger while we have to wait on that buildup.

I'm leaning towards breaking a certain Sicilian's rule, and getting involved in a land war in Asia. USSR certainly ain't gonna get EASIER, and at the very least, we can hold down France for a good long while if shit really hits the fan. We'll have to transfer a couple additional armies east to do it, but I think it's possible.

[finketr]

CW,

Do you suppose annually in a while you could who's on what side currently?

Somehow I missed Yugoslavia joining the Axis powers and that's my fault.. but thanks if you can.

tim

[Coffee Warlord]

They literally joined and had a coup in the same day. (12/18/1940). It's actually an automatic event that pretty much always happens when Yugoslavia accepts an invite into the Axis.

But...

Axis: Germany, Italy, Republic of China, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, plus the puppet states of Croatia, Slovakia, and Serbia. I can invite Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan right now. Of those, I only really care about Turkey, but thus far they keep rejecting my offers.

Allies: UK & their puppets + France. Nobody new has joined. Basically UK and France.

As a note, if you look at the political map, the countries in the fancy font are Axis. The courier-style font are Allies, and the rest of them are in the plain font.

[finketr]

They literally joined and had a coup in the same day. (12/18/1940). It's actually an automatic event that pretty much always happens when Yugoslavia accepts an invite into the Axis.
Aha, that explains that. :)

As a note, if you look at the political map, the countries in the fancy font are Axis. The courier-style font are Allies, and the rest of them are in the plain font.

Now that you mention it, I see it. Enjoying this thus far. Keep it up.


tim

[Autumn]

This is an interesting twist, with China now playing the part of Japan. It seems if you sit still though Russia's only going to continue to expand and soon be unstoppable. Tough situation you're in.

[Coffee Warlord]

Yeah, I think there's gonna be a lot of troops from Army Groups North and West being transferred to the Russian Front soon, and we're just gonna have to roll the dice and hope the Allies don't come for our ass.

Japan in the Axis at this point would have done absolutely nothing for me. They're badly, badly losing, and even if they do a complete 180 and join the Allies (highly unlikely), they're zero threat. China, on the other hand, while not strong, can at least soak up SOME Russian manpower away from our front.

[Autumn]

Yeah, that seems like a smart move.

[Coffee Warlord]

January 1, 1942
German High Command - Office of the General Staff

Attention: All Commanders

Effective immediately, 6th Army and 7th Army to be transferred to Eastern Command, Army Group Center (C/O Field Marshal Manstein).

Effective immediately, Army Group East new C/O Field Marshal Rommel.

Effective immediately, Army Group South new C/O Field Marshal Guderian.

End Message.

[Coffee Warlord]

April 14th, 1942
War! Germany Invades Soviet Union

Citing illegal occupations of the Baltic states, along with illegal conquests in Chinese territory, the German Reich formally declared war against the Soviet Union and her allies today. Hundreds of thousand, if not millions of troops have already opened fire on key Soviet strongholds along the border, known as the Molotov Line. While not as well constructed as the infamous French Maginot, it is still a large set of fortifications, constructed after the German-Soviet partition of Poland.

There has yet to be an official response from London, Washington, or Paris on these events.

[Coffee Warlord]

April 14th, 1942
German High Command - Department of Planning

The initial invasion of the Soviet Union will consist of two major operations.

Operation Autumn Thunder

To be conducted by Army Group East, under the command of none other than Field Marshal Rommel. This group will be positioned north, and break through the Soviet fortifications throughout the old Balkan states. Their goal will be to link up with a massive amphibious landing from several marine divisions, which will land near Riga. Should the marines establish a beachhead, several armored and mechanized divisions will follow behind, and push southward to link the forces. Supplies will be dropped in by our transport planes.

Operation Rum and Vodka

To be conducted by Army Groups Center and South, under Manstein and Guderian, respectively, this will be a broad push east, to capture Minsk and Kyiv. It is expected that these armies will turn further northeast upon reaching their goals, bypassing the southern portions of the USSR and placing priority on reaching Moscow itself, while Army Group East advances into Estonia and beyond.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-etXqPURRHjQ/UO-DT0Xb88I/AAAAAAAAAl0/6fkBVVAxThU/s800/HoI3_18.jpg


(And sorry to some people in advance - you've got too weird of handles for me to come up with something fitting to name an operation after you. :) )

[Coffee Warlord]

Writeups and war pics tomorrow.

Advice for anyone playing. Make sure your theatres are correctly set if you're gonna let the AI run your armies. :)

[sterlingice]

At least you started in April, giving you the maximum time of, oh, 3 months before the Russian winter sets in ;)

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

There was a method to my madness there. :)

Basically we invaded about 2 days after the mud cleared. And then we RUN!

[Coffee Warlord]

April 17th, 1942
Eastern Command - Headquarters

News from the front! After nearly two weeks of fighting, with German forces trying to break through the well-fortified Molotov Line, a small victory has been achieved in the south! Elements of Army Group Center have taken a fortified Soviet position. We've got our foot in the door.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VEN7OzNixL0/UO-DmK1QnnI/AAAAAAAAAl8/A8f9TzRUKAA/s800/HoI3_19.jpg

In the north, Operation Autumn Thunder is well under way. Reports are in that the 91st Marines have taken Riga, a major northern port. Elements of the 93rd Marines have landed just west of their position, securing a beachhead. No breakthroughs have been made along the fortified northern positions, but transport ships are already rushing to load motorized units to reinforce our beachhead.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RgDUdUtz13o/UO-DqKhSp3I/AAAAAAAAAmE/j_GmyF6N5Sc/s800/HoI3_20.jpg

[Coffee Warlord]

May 2, 1942
Eastern Command - Headquarters

German forces have broken through in Lithuania, and linked with our amphibious assault group! Elsewhere on the front, it's a little slower going. We have achieved several local victories in the south, but our lines along the center of the front have yet to be able to fully punch through the fortifications. However, Soviet forces are on their heels, and large groups of troops are shifting to block the gains made in the north.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pb6XUFxJRjc/UO-Dsco4jcI/AAAAAAAAAmM/5JuvD0NH8Dw/s800/HoI3_22.jpg

[Coffee Warlord]

June 1, 1942
Eastern Command - Headquarters

Operation Rum and Vodka can only be called a staggering success, with a massive spearhead breaking through along the southern front. In the north, almost all of Latvia and Lithuania are under German control, with Army Group North now ready to turn further north to capture Estonia. The dreaded Molotov Line has been entirely breached, though there are still more fortifications further inland, the original Stalin Line. While it has been greatly reduced from its former self, it will still require some effort to break.

With major breakthroughs occuring, command staff has been instructed to shift their tactics - a broad front approach was preferred for the initial push. Now that it has been achieved, speed is key. Troops are to advance, advance, advance. The race to Moscow is on.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RIKcltsLDSA/UO-DyZlJQUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/nSQVh0swDxY/s800/HoI3_24.jpg

[sterlingice]

Only a couple more months to winter. Enjoy

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

SILENCE! WE WILL MAKE IT!

[Coffee Warlord]

Forgot to upload my last batch of screenshots last night. The war has reached its 3rd month, however.

[Coffee Warlord]

July 22nd, 1942
German Forces Advance, Soviets on Retreat

The German offensive continues. Their armies have pushed north into Estonian territory, bent on taking their port capital. Heavy resistance, however, has been found on the marches to Leningrad and Moscow itself, with thousands dying daily. The German authorities have announced a full mobilization of every able-bodied man from 18 to 49 to continue the fight in the east.

Along the southern front, the German forces have made rapid advances across the steppe, with little resistance.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OqCxoEMiPws/UPHgpQR-WMI/AAAAAAAAAno/owJ93SyUxDs/s800/HoI3_33.jpg

August 20th, 1942
Reich Troops Within 100km of Moscow, Leningrad Falls!

The legendary city of Leningrad has fallen to the German offensive, though the cost was high. Early reports indicate losses numbering in the tens of thousands to take this former Russian capital. Further south, German troops continue their march, moving ever closer to Moscow.

While many reports say the German offensive has slowed, due to both supply and manpower issues, the advance continues as the death toll increases. The Red Army is dying for every inch of ground given, though it seems they can only hope to delay the Wehrmacht until the dreaded Russian Winter arrives.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PLE2LRA3PIg/UPHg_CaL3jI/AAAAAAAAAnw/LKt9gN4NLKs/s800/HoI3_34.jpg

September 8th, 1942
Moscow Under Siege!

German losses mount, and many in Reichstag have expressed increasing concern over the growing losses in what is quickly becoming a meat grinder. However, for all the loss of life, German forces have control over much of the territory surrounding Moscow, and have begun to lay siege. Constant aerial bombardments and artillery fire pound the city day and night. Can Moscow hold?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wu5cRDs8Ht0/UPHhCqNY2FI/AAAAAAAAAoA/_cv0uZu0dGY/s800/HoI3_36.jpg

[PilotMan]

That was a big push, no doubt it proved very costly.

[Coffee Warlord]

Biggest problem right now is our supply line - massive amounts of our forces are out of supply, and it's all I can do to hold the lines and advance...slowly. Resupplying such a large force is hard.

Doesn't help that the AI controlling my ground forces, while interesting and usually okay, can be slightly stupid. I've split into two theatres for the eastern front - north & south. Despite me instructing the southern front to consolidate and hold the line, they continue to advance and get strung out. Not sure why, but they aren't helping the matter.

[sabotai]

Another Paradox dynasty gets me into playing again. I started a game as Japan this morning. Played for 9 hours straight. I've taken half of Nationalist China and am on my way to total victory there, but am having the same supply issues. I initially took their two ports and for a good while it looked like I wasn't going to be able to hold them. Then Communist China fell, and with it went a good third of the Chinese forces and I stormed in and land connected all of my forces. Now it's a slow march south. I'm staying out of Germany's wars against France and the UK....

But once China is taken care of....

[Coffee Warlord]

Dammit, I think I broke the game. Seeing if I can't trigger a couple events manually to clean things up.

[Brian Swartz]

No!

In other news, I hadn't ever played Hearts of Iron until this dynasty. Now I'm wondering why.

An enormous project I was working on has gone on the back burner because of the awesomeness. Great threat Coffee ... and darn you!! :P

[Coffee Warlord]

After looking last night, pretty sure I can salvage things by adding/modding a couple of events. The Reich shall rise again.

[dzilla77]

Another Paradox dynasty gets me into playing again. I started a game as Japan this morning. Played for 9 hours straight. I've taken half of Nationalist China and am on my way to total victory there, but am having the same supply issues. I initially took their two ports and for a good while it looked like I wasn't going to be able to hold them. Then Communist China fell, and with it went a good third of the Chinese forces and I stormed in and land connected all of my forces. Now it's a slow march south. I'm staying out of Germany's wars against France and the UK....

But once China is taken care of....

Yeah, me too. Never got HOI3 but bought the complete pack and I am going through playthrough on the forum right now. Completely killed my Sunday (and Monday, and Tuesday. . .)

[Coffee Warlord]

Paradox ought to be giving FOFC users a commission for all the business we've steered their way over the years.

[Izulde]

Seriously.

[Coffee Warlord]

October 3rd, 1942
German Forces Stalled Near Moscow As Winter Looms

While German forces continue their pushes in the far north and deep in the south, the bulk of the Reich army sieging Moscow has stalled, unable to push fully into the heart of the Soviet Empire. Facing what many see as massive issues transporting supplies and fuel to the front, constant aerial supply drops have been seen over the front, airlifting desperately needed supplies to the troops. Included in these supply drops are heavy winter gear, as it seems the Wehrmacht High Command has little expectation that Moscow itself will fall before the dreaded winter sets in.

[Coffee Warlord]

October 10th, 1942
Germany Heralds Miracle In Moscow - Stalin Arrested and Executed - Peace Talks Underway

In a stunning turn of events, Soviet officials announced that Joseph Stalin, leader of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, has been arrrested on charges of actions detrimental to the Communist Ideal. Backed by several Red Army officials, High Party members declared Stalin a traitor, ordering him hung in Red Square.

The new leaders of the Party have announced a temporary cease fire with Germany, as peace talks have begun. For now, the guns have gone silent in Moscow.

We'll put it this way - this was ungodly lucky. I was trying to stabilize the front for winter, as our supply situation simply wasn't going to allow us to advance, or possibly even hold. I was hoping to get the lines set up and sit through the long winter. Then I get that awesome event.

[Coffee Warlord]

October 13th. 1942
Treaty of Moscow Concluded - Soviet Union Partitioned

Apparently more interested in consolidating their tenuous hold on power, the new leaders of the Soviet regime have concluded peace talks with the German Reich, paying a high price for conclusion of the war. German officials have heralded the new Treaty of Moscow, announcing it in every corner of the Reich. The main terms are as follows:

1. The Soviet Union will acknowledge all current territorial claims of the German Reich.
2. The Soviet Union will pay $20 million in war reparations, to be divided amongst the Axis Powers.
3. The Soviet Union will relinquish all claims to territory in Europe, ceding all control of their western lands to be administered by the German Reich.
4. The German Reich will acknowledge all remaining Soviet territorial claims.
5. The German Reich will release all Russian prisoners of war.
6. The German Reich will allow any Communist leaders to emigrate away from territory newly under the control of Germany.
7. Relinquished Soviet territory will be partitioned in the following manner, with provisional governments established under the oversight of the German Reich:
Estonia, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
8. The final partition will encompass all remaining Russian territory, to be known as the Russian Federation.

Newly partitioned and established governments post Treaty of Moscow:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zAkE7Gz5Mcs/UPHhJO74FeI/AAAAAAAAAoI/xUOjE0gbSFQ/s800/HoI3_39.jpg

[Coffee Warlord]

Were this were a more 'real' game, I'd be declaring victory right now and standing my armies down.

Alas, since it's not...*looks west*

[Dutch]

Good stuff, CW. Keep it up!

[sterlingice]

Talk about a lucky break. I don't see how a country gets rid of its leader in a time of crisis as they would be rallying around him.

That said, before you get greedy, I think it's time to restock those supply lines.

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

I like to think of the party panicking as the German propaganda machine heralded the fall of Leningrad and the siege of Moscow. No no, we don't have a supply problem! We will burn Moscow to the ground! Give up now and spare millions of lives!

But, yeah. Very very lucky break.

And as for supply. Our supply PRODUCTION is just fine. The biggest problem was getting those supplies through Soviet lands, which has like no infrastructure. With the amount of troops we sent, there just wasn't enough roads to get supplies to the front, so I was constantly having vast amounts of troops sitting there stalled waiting for supplies.

[finketr]

Logistics. You need to hire UPS to help you out.

[Autumn]

Awesome turn of events. How did the Allies react to this invasion?

[Coffee Warlord]

They sat on their big useless Allied asses. :)

But really, I think they secretly thanked the German people for stomping the Communist threat.