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a) Accept the treaty and the post-war borders

4 (33.3%)

b) Back to six months ago, wash hands and redo

6 (50%)

c) Re-declare war! (I'd rather not do this, btw)

2 (16.7%)

Total Members Voted: 12

[Hyo]

Hello everyone, I'm Hyo, and I am an AoD player. I'm also rather new at this whole LP thing, so please - feel free to bash me as much as I can, because you'll all be fawning at the superb quality and awesomeness of my LPs in a couple of hundred years.

A r s e n a l   o f   D e m o c r a c y
Version 1.07 + SMEP 6.0

At any case, this is a Arsenal of Democracy LP. Arsenal of Democracy is a game based on Hearts of Iron II, something close to a mod that has been ascended into a new game of itself. It's gameplay, however, is similar to the original, so you should be able to easily follow if you have experience playing the original, or Darkest Hour, another spinoff.

The HoI series are grand strategy games developed by Paradox Interactive, that focus on the development of a country from the WWII-era to beyond, allowing you to control aspects of espionage, technological development, economy, diplomacy, and of course, military operations. It is a game that has a high replay value, and it's always fun seeing that small minor conquer the world.

The Scenario - June 23rd, 1941

At any case, to explain the scenario, I shall be playing a game that I have currently been playing before as the Soviet Union. While it might not be the best of manners to start from a pre-existing scenario, I honestly don't really have the patience to go all the way from 1936 to 1941 and just twiddling my thumbs, doing the same things that I would always do to build up, and...

Well, there's not much action around, let me say that, and it'd be frustrating (and somewhat boring) to write an AAR without action, which is why I shall start from June 23rd, 1941 - the day after Operation Barbarossa was launched in the historical timeline. The day after nothing happened in mine.

Also, this will try to be handled in a semi-RP fashion, using bits of knowledge that I know of Stalin's court and whatnot; please forgive my for horrible writing and if I get any personality traits or facts wrong. Or if I make up fictitious characters entirely too.

So, let's get started!



A few reference points to make in this picture:

- Resources
The resource stockpiles of the Soviet Union are obviously not as high as it could be. This is due to a massive series of resource exportations to the fascist states of Europe, mainly Germany, in order to bring keep our cash reserves afloat, without any unneeded state effort, freeing up valuable ICs to use elsewhere. Many of these trade agreements have been cancelled throughout the last few months, however.

Another thing that many would notice is our horrendously low cash and supply reserves. Now, first, it is important to say that I had a supply stockpile of around 60k a few months back. Such reserves were depleted due to the lack of effort went into replenishing them; the last few months I have been attempting to free up as many IC as possible to support the training of new divisions and upgrading our current ones. Needless to say, IC will be redirected to making those numbers higher again, unless some people think shooting ourselves in the foot is FUN...   
Okay, maybe it is, but strangling yourself with logistics? Seriously? Please, I'm telling you right now, nobody suggest this...

- Manpower

Our manpower levels are reasonable, but lower than they could be. Here are the details:

Code: [Select]

Total MP: 5145.0
Total Assigned MP: 3708.0
MP assigned to military: 2502.8
MP assigned to provinces: 982.5
MP assigned to development projects: 223.5
MP Unassigned: 1436.2
Daily increase of 1.61 manpower.
Daily decrease of 0.81 manpower due to aging.
Daily reinforcements drain 0.00 of our manpower. We currently need 0.03 manpower to reinforce all our forces to maximum strength.

- The Map

As you can see and probably noticed, World War II has progressed slightly differently than it did historically. Here are some explanations for these oddities and deviations:

Spain: The Popular Front lost the '36 elections, Nationalist Front forms new government. After struggling for three or so years in a civil war against rebel states of Euskidia and Catalonia, the idiots decided to join the Allies and declare war on the Nazis. Obviously, Hitler got pissed and... You know the rest.

Scandinavia: Finland, the fools they are, decided to stand up against the Soviets. What ensued was a joke of a campaign in which the Finns were annexed within a month, and only because I was being lenient to train my leaders. Naturally, with time abound, I decided to strike Norway since the Red Army's there anyway. I didn't bother with the Danes, since I know from previous experience that they always join the Allies when attacked, and Sweden came on early '41 when I was starting to choke out Germany's resource stockpiles.

Romania: The Romanians surprisingly refused Soviet demands for Bessarabia which, of course, led to a Soviet invasion. Although I had a bit of trouble over this campaign (Armies not mobilized in preparation, bloody mountains and hills, etc.) they were soon born anew into a Soviet Socialist Republic.

Persia and Afghanistan: I was bored. No, really.... Besides, more oil is always nice, and prevents it from flowing into Allied and Axis hands.

North Africa: A rare spectacle that appears every hundred games or so... the Italians have actually proven themselves competent! Gasp!


- The Soviet Union


Abusing the ability to move sliders multiple times in authoritarian governments, the Soviet Union is much better prepared for the onset of war, with Interventionism and Hawk Lobby maxed out, while Standing Army is decent and nicely positioned.

Our belligerence is slightly high at the moment - although not like that's going to matter much. It's probably going to rocket further into the 200s and 300s as we grind through the rest of the world, so ignore that.

Ministers for Dummies

Spoiler: "Mihail Kalinin, aka 'Papa'" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Iosif V. Stalin, aka 'Uncle Joe'" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Vyacheslav Molotov, aka 'Iron Arse'" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Lazar Kaganovich, aka 'Iron Man'" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Sergej Uritsky aka 'Who the hell is this guy?'" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Yan Bezerin" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Boris M. Shaposhnikov" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Kliment Y. Voroshilov" (click to show/hide)

/spoiler]
[spoiler="Nikolai Kuznetsov"]

Spoiler: "Yakov I. Alksnis" (click to show/hide)

- Production and Economy


As one can see, our production focus is largely on the army right now due to the last few months having been spent gearing up for an eventual war against Nazi Germany. However, as it seems that our land forces are enough to deter Hitler from doing anything rash, you may feel free to request these ICs be transferred to other projects.

To note, our daily Consumer Goods need is ~60 IC (due to trading), and our Supplies need is ~60 IC as well.

- Technology and Research

Spoiler: "Infantry and Artillery" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Industrial and Land Doctrine" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Aircraft Technology and Doctrine" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Naval Technology and Doctrine" (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: "Current Research" (click to show/hide)

Not much to say here, unless someone wishes to comment. If anything though, as people might have realized, if we are building a navy, it is most likely going to be a very heavy CV-oriented one. The ship designs for other capitol ship classes haven't been developed, and although it'd be very funny seeing dozens of our ships die each battle, it's not very efficient. Also, due to our lack of naval doctrines, we need air doctrines to somehow even out the weaknesses and disadvantages against the enemy forces.

- Diplomacy


Frankly, this is pretty much the extent of diplomacy we have to know - Everyone hates us except Mussolini and Roosevelt. Historically, I should be around 0 with Germany, -25 with Japan, -50 with US and UK, and -100 with Italy, but hey, screw history.

This is also useful because it tells us all the ICs of our opponents. Currently, we have the largest amount of IC among the major powers. We want to keep it this way.

- Army Comparison


Frankly, the only enemy that we have information is about Germany. I don't really bother too much with this espionage stuff. Stalin would cry in his grave once he saw what the Soviet intelligence network has become. But hey, it serves its purpose.

The army comparison between the Soviet and German armies are pretty even at first glance, but take into consideration that Germany has all of Spain and Normandy that it needs to garrison, especially with the UK keep making landings on Portugal every once in a while. With the Atlantic Wall and whatnot, only a portion of those forces will be used to fight against the Red Army, thank god. However, we still have to face the numerous various Axis minors as well, and while their army might not be as of superior quality as Germany's, expeditionary forces give them all of Germany's massive doctrine benefits, making them a worthy foe indeed.

Note that all of our troops are brigaded by the way.

I didn't bother putting up the navy and aircraft because they're meaningless. The Soviet Union has a total of Eight Interceptor and Tactical Bomber squadrons. Some hell of an airforce the VVS is, eh. As for the navy... Wel, let's just say that we haven't built any from the beginning of the game; meaning we're still stuck with those old ships that are probably from bloody WWI or something. That and a couple of TPs.

###################################

And god, that was massive. I never knew making LPs and AARs would be this tiring

At any case, that's the general overview of things. Suggestions, comments and requests are welcome.

[NRDL]

This looks like a pretty good game, and I'm sure you'll do a good job.  I've never played this game so I don't really know how it works.  May I make a suggestion?  After posting pictures of your production, research and whatnot, please write a summary detailing what you're doing.  You're already doing something like that already, but it would be better if they were more in depth.  Other than that, you've got no problem. 

[shadenight123]

posting to watch this...and could you also keep an eye out for this "italy"?
(i'm italian, it's nice to see italians manageing SOMETHING)
XD
maybe we could actually "win" something! yeahy!

[monk12]

This is relevant to my interests.

[Stworca]

Has AoD introduced some significant changes to naval units?
Personally i would consider CA-CL fleets for a country with nearly no naval tech. CA-CL fleets share firing range, allowing every ship in the entire fleet to shoot at once (much like DD zerg fleets, but unlike these, CA-CL is not 'cheesy')
They are easier to keep up-to-date and much faster and cheaper to replace. They fare very well against enemy CTF's, unless They pack ridiculous all-CV/CVL fleets.
Not to mention the ICD cost effectiveness being on the very top.

It's an Armageddon PoV though, i have no idea how it looks like in AoD.

Also : Watching with interest, For Motherland!

[Hyo]

So, thanks for having noticed this little attempt, and allow me to further elaborate. The last post was the introduction of our country game-wise - our current situation. But honestly, I don't exactly remember what the hell I was doing (or going on) while I was actually playing this scenario until now, so I don't have anything planned - which is why I would like to ask all the people who have interest in this thread to decide.

Note, the Japanese who are technically not allied with Germany, is not considered part of the Axis

To further explain our current situation, the Axis are winning and the Allies are reeling in from their losses - especially Britain, whose defence of even the British Isles is pathetic to say the least. However, much of this is expected to change soon once Japan declares Pearl Harbour and the United States enter the war on behalf of the Allies - while it may be more of a struggle and take longer, the Axis will be eventually defeated.

An important fact to note, however, is that Japan has been doing very poorly in China. It has gotten nowhere as close as it should have historically, being stuck in the Northern Shanxi regions for the last four years without having budged an inch. I am not sure, but if the Japanese Pearl Harbour AI works similarly to Germany's Barbarossa AI, it might decide not to DoW the Allies and the US. Meaning, the US might not join the war. Obviously, this can have some very largeconsequences.

The Comintern on the other hand, has been raking up Straights and Flushes one after another - while suffering almost no casualties (other than by the bloody winter attrition in Scandinavia), it has acquired Scandinavia, Eastern Poland, Romania, Persia and Afghanistan. It has expanded nearly unchecked, and has indeed come out the victor of the Grand Poker Game of Europe. It also doesn't have any enemies to fight against, nor any obligations, meaning it's a Wild Card, and we have the freedom to do whatever we want. Keep in mind, however, that we have a massive German Army on our borders to screw us over if we do mess something up.

The Balance of the war is precariously matched, and the Soviet Union will likely be the deciding factor of the war. This comes with great responsibilities, and we should be ready to face the consequences of our actions. On the other hand, it also means that whatever we'll do, we'll likely end up on the winning side of things.

So, to help the viewers make their choices, there will be several large broad option created and explained. There are five options to choose from, currently.

I) Join the war against the Axis:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

This is most likely the first thing that most viewers would have in mind in this scenario - I mean, it's June '41, armies massed on the borders, most logical thing to do, right?

Well, it may be that way, but not quite. First, if we do this, we will have to commit ourselves to a massive land war, which shall take loads of divisions, require a large part of attention and IC, but also, be costing us in resources and manpower, which is especially very, very precious in 1.07 - we can run out of it very fast, and once we do, we're dead meat. It also means that we will not be able to commit ourselves to any other field of operations, therefore disabling us from responding against any other hostile actions made against us, or to take any initiatives in other fronts. However, it does take care of the biggest and most likely threat we'll have to face, and the likelihood of getting stabbed in the back by other sources is low.

Another thing to note is the expanded Axis and Soviet borders. The Soviet Union now extends itself to the Persian Gulf and borders Iraq. Iraq is currently on the side of the Axis, and Italy has successfully bashed the Tommies to the other side of the Red Sea, and is expected that they'll smash forward all the way to Soviet-Iraqi borders - meaning that we'll also have to face a much larger front while the Germans only have Europe to worry about, and if the Italians decide to strike in full force, we can be in trouble and leave open a backdoor to Baku and the Urals.

Finally, on all actions done against Germany, we will be invading German cores (Bloody Memel and Kaliningrad), and therefore, stripping German forces in Normandy and Spain to rush against the Eastern border, greatly weakening their coastal defences. This not only makes it a pain, but also guarantees a successful Overlord and an Allied France, while putting Europe at the risk of Allied hands.

Here are the separate Sub-options once this choice has been selected:

Ia) Immediate warfare and operations on all fronts

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Basically, we push the Germans hard in Europe and the Italians hard in Africa. This will consume an extensive amount of soldiers, resources and manpower. However, it also means that we will be striking them before they can grow any stronger, and in a war of attrition, we are not likely to lose. Also, by attacking the Italians before they can reorganize themselves means that we can push forward to the Suez before they can launch proper operations against us, and Suez is useful, as well as being a powerful defensive position for the Middle East and our southern coast.

Note, however, that our Middle Eastern border forces are few, and will require several weeks before reinforcements can arrive and start participating in battle.

Ib) Immediate warfare and operations in Europe (Operation Redbeard)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Basically only committing ourselves to a land warfare against Germany. A smaller scope operations, but still huge - and still very demanding on resources and manpower. It also means that we can afford to deploy more troops against Germany, meaning a easier and hopefully less riskier war there. And of course, defence is much easier than offence, and I'm pretty sure our Persian holdings will stand against small skirmishes yet, and we can reinforce them later.

Ic) Immediate warfare and operations in Northern Africa (Operation Artic Fox)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Basically, we leave our German border alone, and focus on Italy. This means that our forces will be static and be doing nothing but suffering from attrition, which is mostly a waste, but digging in and defence bonuses also means that we can hold the line, hopefully, without having to focus too much of our attention there. We can also stripe some of our forces there for an easier time in Africa.

The obvious bonuses are a smaller scope of operations, and that Italy is obviously a much weaker and easier target than Germany. Also, it grants a chance to strike at the 'Soft Underbelly of Europe', and if we wish, we can make landings at the Italian mainland, which will likely be weakly-defended, meaning that we can take out a good 100 IC from the Axis without nearly as much effort that we'll have to waste facing Germany.

II) Join the war against the Allies:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Probably not the first thing you'd think of when going to war, but it obviously has incentives in doing so. First of all, with the Suez captured by the Italians, India is much more likely to be weak and lacking in supplies than usual. After all, British convoys have to go around the cape of Good Hope; meaning that it takes a lot of convoys, and more opportunities for German U-boats to sink them.

By taking out India, we basically get a bunch of free IC and manpower, and we also get a chance to try our hands in the Pacific, if we wish. However, it does mean that Australians will be hostile to us, and we may face some attempted landings on our southern borders - which we can fend off easily admittedly.

Finally, we can also launch a seaborne attack against the British Isles. Okay, our navy is shit, and would probably blow up within seconds at meeting the Royal Navy, but we are more than capable of building a huge fleet to face the Royal Navy if we wanted to. Besides we don't have to fight a massive naval war like the Tommies, the British have to face and patrol the entire Atlantic - all we need is a sliver of opportunity to drop our forces off in Scotland or elsewhere - we don't need nearly as many ships, and once we do land, it's over for the Brits.

Overall, beating up the wounded Allies is a much easier job than taking out the Axis at full force, and we can do so without nearly as much casualties. They're not expected to last long at India, British Isles shall fall in due time, and we don't care about the Pacific anyway.

Only thing that may cause a problem is, well, the United States. They too have a huge economy, large amounts of manpower - and they'll join once Japan declares Pearl Habour - that is, if the Japanese do that. If the Americans busy themselves with Japan and Germany, fine, but if they decide to look upon us for an invasion target..

Well, let's just say it'll be Stalin's worst nightmare - facing the Americans while the Germans are at your doorstep.

IIa) Invasion of India (Operation Gandhi)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

More or less what has been said above. Expected to be easy.

IIb) Preparation for the Invasion of the British Isles (Operation Underling)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

We build up a proper navy that can last a week against the Royal Navy while our forces can land and start bashing the Tommies. Shipbuilding is a long process, and we'll have to wait a while, however, but this can effectively prevent any Operation Overlord, meaning that we get to keep Europe for ourselves if we beat Germany.

But it also means that we skip out on India...

IIc) Invasion of India while Preparing for an Invasion of the British Isles

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Basically, we strike India, occupy it while we wait for our ships to be built. This has the obvious advantage of weakening the Brits prior invasion, but it also means that a concentrated force of the Royal Navy will be waiting for us when we launch Operation Underling, which may or may not potentially prove fatal.

IId) Two-pronged Invasion once Preparations Are Complete

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

This has the advantage of not declaring war until the last minute. However, it means that the Brits might pull of a couple of miracles with their full IC, or that they may garrison India and make it impossible for us to conquer. Not likely, but still dangerous.

It also means that I'll likely get bored, which is very, very dangerous... 

IIe) Invasion of India and Venture into the Pacific

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

 This also requires us to build up a navy, and we can go dish it out with the Aussies, and potentially the Yanks as well. I personally don't see the point in such an excursion and forcing us to commit ourselves to having and maintaining a large and well-equipped navy for sustained large-scale operations while the Germans are right there in front of your doorstep

III) Participate in the Second Sino-Japanese War

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

We can always extend our hands far east and screw around with the Japs and the Chinese as they dish it out against each other. However, this in general will require a large land force and possibly a naval force if we wish to invade the Japanese home islands. However, it's an action that shouldn't provoke war with either the Axis or the Allies.

IIIa) Invade China

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

 Let me say it right now. This is stupid.

Not only do we have a massive border with China, it entangles us with massive land-based operations, on the other side of the world. If we do this, and fight this two-front war, either Germany or China will rip us apart into pieces.

IIIb) Invade Japan

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

 Slightly more reasonable, because we don't have nearly a large border with Japan. Also, we Japan doesn't have as large technological and doctrinal advantages that Germany does. Since Japan is focusing on both a navy and army, it shouldn't be too hard to take out Manchukuo and Korea. We might have to build a navy if we want to invade the home islands though.

Note that this still requires a considerable amount of land forces on the other side of the world, which may or may not lead to us being screw over by Hitler.

Finally, if we do this right, Japan won't declare Pearl Harbour, and the US might not join the Allies. Obvious benefits if that happens

IIIc) Invade Both

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

 What is this, I don't even...

Oh, dear god, No. Just no. NO!.

IV) Do Nothing

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

While some may laugh at first, this might not be such a bad idea. We can afford to take the luxury of time and build up our forces, whether navy or army. Besides, it might also be a good idea to just watch in case either side screw up, and to see if US joins the Allies or not.

Besides, our enemies will be bleeding each other to death while we don't even lift a finger (Okay, I do). Nothing wrong with that..

V) Invade the United Sta

Woops, I accidentally typed the wrong thing there. It's not like anyone is actually going to vote for an idiotic option of trying to fight the US on the Pacific of all things... Right?

V) Others

Throw at me anything you can think of. Suggestions are welcome.



################


Also, you lot better not expect this much typing once the game actually begins, mind you. 

(Although I honestly doubt that anyone is actually going to read that huge wall of text anyway. Just pick your decisions according to anything that seems right.)

[Burnt Pies]

I gotta say III, specifically IIIb, followed by as much of II as we can do.

[monk12]

My first vote would be Ic- Operation Arctic Fox, with Dominion of Europe being the ultimate objective.

My second vote would be IIa- Operation Ghandi, with the final intent of extended interference in the Pacific Theatre (Philippines, Australia, so forth) with the ultimate objective depending on whether USA gets involved.

[NRDL]

My overall vote is to do nothing.  Help neither the allies or axis, unless you can do it covertly without any side declaring war on you.  Let them battle it out.  Funnily enough, this entire war hinges on Russia ( you ) and America.  The Americans will only join the allies, while I'm guessing you can join either side.  If the Americans fight the axis, the allies will win.  If you help the axis powers, they will probably win.  Do nothing until a dramatic change happens, such as if America joins the war.  Keep us informed until then. 

[shadenight123]

ally yourself with italy! and the axis! and take over those silly allies!

[Stworca]

Germans will invade USSR sooner or later, thus option "Do nothing" will eventually turn into war with Axis, which is one we need to get out of the way. US is a far away enemy, that has thousands of kilometers of frozen wastelands to conquer, should They try, Germany is a few months march away from Moscow.
Axis needs to be dealt with.

I've voted for OTHER though. Suez is in Italian hands, but i doubt i will remain theirs should USA join the war.
 Capturing Suez will cripple allies, should They wage war against you. Thus.. A, but with a twist of going for Suez.

In a way, capturing Suez wins.

The IC-rich provinces in europe will make the Sino front a childsplay

[MetalSlimeHunt]

My suggestion is Operation Gandhi, followed by the Invasion of Japan. Schizophrenic, you say? No, brilliance. By invading India, we will be cutting off the already weakened Great Britain. At that point, we can leave Germany to get stuck in a long and draining war in the British Isles, while we murder Japan in the glorious name of Socialism, preventing them from bringing the USA into this whole thing. Bring China into the Cominterm to help facilitate this.

I call this work of absolute genius Operation Clusterfuck. Nothing can possibly go wrong.

[Heron TSG]

Victory is guaranteed at nearly every turn. One of the few that it is now guaranteed in is war with the United States. I like a challenge. Do you?

[shadenight123]

ally yourselve with italy, help them keep their regions, and procede to remove indians colonies from britain. (i'd start with those closer to the sea, cutting off with a rapid BLITZKRIEG the sending and receiving of goods)
then, have fun.

[Sheb]

I'd go with Operation Clusterfuck, followed by war with the US.