A Guide to Prussia
Author: Astaroth
Original Thread: ETW: A Guide to Prussia
The word 'Prussia' represents more than just a German kingdom. The military successes of the Prussian kingdom in unifying Germany have forever conferred a status of professionalism and militarism to the landed nobility of Prussia. In Empire: Total War, you have the opportunity to replicate the glory of Prussia and ensure their dominance over Europe's and the world's affairs. One effective tool you could use to achieve these feats is "A Guide to Prussia" by Astaroth.
This well-written guide to all things Prussia begins with a comprehensive overview of the Prussian kingdom at the beginning of the game. The author analyzes the benefits and defects of the Prussian economy, starting military, government and technological development with incredible detail. In many cases, these elements are combined to reveal inherent Prussian strengths; for example, the author reasons that investing in schools and colleges that advance technology levels will ultimately, when combined with the pre-existing Prussian military tradition, create a gulf in power between you and your rivals.
The author dedicates the second section of the guide to diplomacy. In a unique feature to this guide, the author lists every one of Prussia's neighbors, discussing the threats they pose, whether to maintain hostile or friendly relations with them, and if the former, how to deal with them. More importantly, a solution to those pesky Courlanders is proposed!
Finally, the author provides a five-step plan toward a successful game as Prussia. First, Saxony should be conquered, triggering a war with Poland, in which you use your significant starting military to link up East Prussia with your main lands. Second, after war in Eastern Europe has ceased, consolidate and focus on Germany and the many threats therein, capturing Prague in the meantime. Third, eliminate the minor German states bordering Prussia, and fourth, take on the mighty Austria mano a mano. The fifth and final step is simple: self improvement. Invest heavily in schools and colleges, consider government reforms, improve technology, and consolidate.
"A Guide to Prussia" is a great guide, summarizing the political, economic, and military concerns of Prussia before the game, providing tips on dealing with neighbors and foreign policy during the game, and presenting a five-step plan to success throughout the game, all in a well-written and intricate article. I rate this work five stars and a must-read for ETW players.
-Acco