Preventing The Shadow Kingdom: Austria's Strategic Defense

how to prevent shadow kingdom as austria

As the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Austria is in a strong position to prevent the Shadow Kingdom event. This event, which can occur between 1490 and 1550, causes Northern Italian states to leave the Holy Roman Empire and can lead to a loss of power and breakdown of alliances. To prevent this, players should aim to add Italian provinces to the Holy Roman Empire before 1490, with some sources specifically mentioning Venice and the Papal States. Conquering Venice and making war with the Papal State are strategies suggested by players, although care must be taken to avoid excessive AE (Aggressive Expansion). Players can also make use of diplomatic strategies, such as allying with Hungary, France, Poland, or Savoy, and giving chunks of conquered land to allies like Milan and Florence.

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Declare war on Venice to gain control of Brescia and Verona

Gaining control of Brescia and Verona by declaring war on Venice is a strategy that can be employed in the video game Europa Universalis IV to prevent the Shadow Kingdom event as Austria. This strategy is part of a broader set of actions that can be taken to prevent the Shadow Kingdom event, which is highly probable to occur in January 1490.

The Shadow Kingdom event causes all Northern Italian states to leave the Holy Roman Empire (HRE), resulting in a significant decrease in Imperial Authority. To prevent this, players must ensure that the entire Kingdom of Italy is under the control of HRE members. This can be achieved by taking control of central Italy and other regions, including Venetian holdings such as Brescia and Verona, and adding them to the HRE.

Brescia, a Venetian province, can be returned to Milan if Austria goes to war with Venice to add their provinces to the Empire. However, it is important to note that since Brescia is already an HRE province, controlling it is not necessary to avoid the Shadow Kingdom event or to use the Rein in Northern Italy decision.

To successfully prevent the Shadow Kingdom, players should also consider the following strategies:

  • Liberating princes from other princes can be time-consuming and may not be the best use of resources. It is recommended to focus on preventing the Shadow Kingdom and let Burgundy and Princes have it from 1444 to 1490.
  • Returning the province to the Pope can also help prevent the Shadow Kingdom event.
  • Forming alliances with Hungary, France, Poland, or Savoy can be advantageous in potential conflicts with Venice and other states.
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Go to war with the Papal States

Going to war with the Papal States is a viable strategy to prevent the Shadow Kingdom event as Austria in Europa Universalis IV. The Papal States are a collection of lands under the rule of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope himself.

Firstly, it is important to note that the Shadow Kingdom event causes the northern Italian states to leave the Holy Roman Empire (HRE), which can be prevented by ensuring that all Italian states are under the control of HRE members. This can be achieved by declaring war on the Papal States and Venice to gain control of their provinces in Italy, specifically Rome, which seems to be a requirement to prevent the event.

When going to war with the Papal States, it is important to be aware that Catholic nations will likely maintain high relations with the Pope, so even if they are your allies, they may not join the war due to their friendly relations. Additionally, converting to Protestantism can cause Catholic nations like France and Spain to have a negative opinion of you and may result in them enforcing peace. Therefore, it is advisable to attack the allies of the Papal States and try to co-belligerent the Pope. Spain, in particular, may enforce peace, but they can only do so if the target country has +100 relations with them. Thus, attacking an ally of the Pope who is not on good terms with Spain could be a viable strategy.

To increase your chances of success, it is recommended to ally with Hungary and France, and possibly Poland or Savoy. It is also suggested to get influence ideas first for the -20% aggressive expansion reduction.

By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of preventing the Shadow Kingdom event by gaining control of Italian provinces and ensuring they are under the dominion of the HRE.

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Ally with Hungary and France

To prevent the Shadow Kingdom event as Austria, one strategy is to ally with Hungary and France. This strategy involves a series of diplomatic and military maneuvers to maintain control over Italian states and prevent their independence from the Holy Roman Empire (HRE). Here is a detailed plan:

Firstly, focus on securing alliances with both Hungary and France. Hungary can be a valuable ally, but they may dissolve the alliance to pursue their interests. Aim to get Hungary under a personal union by 1453, which will provide an opportunity for an enforce union casus belli (CB). To achieve this, you can set Hungary as a rival, ally with Poland, and promise land to Poland without actually giving them any. Improving relations with Hungary can lead to a potential union.

Secondly, turn your attention to Venice and the Papal States. Declare war on Venice and take key provinces such as Verona, Treviso, and Brescia. You can give Dalmatia to Hungary or release it, and Brescia can be given to Milan. These actions will strengthen your position in the region.

Next, engage in a war with the Papal States and take two or three coastal territories, such as Urbino and Ancona. This will provide a basis for fabricating claims on the rest of the Pope's land, excluding Rome. It is important to be cautious and not occupy Rome to avoid negative modifiers.

Continue to fabricate claims on the Pope's remaining province. At this point, you may also want to consider attacking Burgundy, especially if they are weakened or engaged in conflicts with other powers like France or England. This will further solidify your dominance in the region.

By following these steps, you can work towards preventing the Shadow Kingdom event and maintaining control over the Italian states as Austria, with the support of your allies, Hungary and France. Remember that the specific circumstances and strategies may vary depending on the game dynamics and your overall strategy.

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Demand unlawful territory only when it will be willingly released

As Austria, preventing the Shadow Kingdom event in Europa Universalis IV can be challenging, but it is achievable. One crucial aspect to consider is when to demand unlawful territory. While it may be tempting to demand unlawful territory aggressively, it is essential only to do so when it will be willingly released. This approach is crucial because demanding unlawful territory costs imperial authority, and being denied can be detrimental.

The Shadow Kingdom event specifically pertains to the northern Italian states leaving the Holy Roman Empire (HRE). To prevent this, your focus should be on ensuring that the entire kingdom of Italy is under the control of HRE members. This can be achieved through a combination of diplomacy and military strategies.

One strategy is to declare war on Venice to acquire Brescia and Verona, and then target the Papal States. You can also consider allying with Hungary, France, Poland, or Savoy to strengthen your position. However, be cautious when it comes to demanding unlawful territory during these conflicts. Only do so if you are certain that the territory will be willingly released, as it can be costly otherwise.

Additionally, you can leave Ferrara alone or make them release Modena and establish it as a free city. Similarly, you can make Florence release Pisa and establish it as a free city. These side wars can help prevent these territories from joining a coalition against you. Remember, the key is to be selective and only demand unlawful territory when it aligns with your broader strategy and will be willingly released.

By carefully choosing when to demand unlawful territory and focusing on controlling the Italian states, you can work towards preventing the Shadow Kingdom event as Austria in Europa Universalis IV.

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Annex Holstein before Denmark can

Annexing Holstein as Denmark in Europa Universalis IV offers several strategic advantages, including acquiring additional provinces and enhancing diplomatic capabilities. However, it is essential to be mindful of the potential challenges and complexities associated with this endeavour. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this scenario effectively:

Understand the Context:

Holstein is a vassal region under Denmark within the Empire. If Denmark engages in an early war with the Empire and loses, Holstein may gain its independence. However, Denmark typically moves swiftly to annex Holstein, making it challenging to reclaim. As Austria, it is advisable to assess your strength relative to Denmark before attempting to reclaim Holstein.

Strengthen Your Position:

Before attempting to annex Holstein, focus on fortifying your position. This can include improving relations with potential allies, forming royal marriages, and hiring advisors to enhance your diplomatic reputation. By doing so, you can increase your influence and gain access to additional resources and support.

Seize the Opportunity:

Keep a close eye on the situation in Denmark. If Denmark goes to war with the Empire early on and loses, you may have a window of opportunity to act. During this period, Holstein may be temporarily independent, providing you with a chance to intervene before Denmark can fully annex it.

Act Decisively:

When you have assessed that you are in a position of strength, move decisively to annex Holstein. This may involve diplomatic negotiations, military strategies, or a combination of both. Ensure that you have the necessary resources, alliances, and military might to succeed in your endeavour.

Consider Alternative Approaches:

If directly confronting Denmark proves challenging, consider alternative strategies. Focus on weakening Denmark by targeting their fleet, as they tend to neglect fleet development over time. You can also explore vassal transferring Sweden and Norway, gradually isolating Denmark and making them more vulnerable.

By following these steps and adapting your strategies based on the dynamic in-game environment, you can successfully annex Holstein before Denmark has the opportunity to do so. Remember to remain flexible and always assess the situation before making your move.

Frequently asked questions

You need to ensure that the entire Kingdom of Italy is under the control of the HRE member states. This can be done by enacting the "Rein in Northern Italy" decision, which is available after controlling central Italy and other regions.

It is a decision that can be enacted by the HREmperor to prevent the Shadow Kingdom event. It is meant to take a lot of resources and can be combined with the existing alliance network in Italy.

You can conquer Venice but avoid gaining too much AE (Aggressive Expansion). You can also make war with the Papal State, taking some provinces but not Rome. It is also a good idea to ally with Hungary and France, and possibly Poland or Savoy.

The Shadow Kingdom event occurs between 1490 and 1550, so the provinces must be added to the HRE before 1490 to prevent the event from happening.

If you are unable to prevent the event, all Italian states will leave the HRE, and your Imperial Authority will be significantly reduced. Your alliances may also break down, and you may lose your status as Emperor.

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