Sandbox or Scripted?

[basilhare]

As I continue to make steady progress in my first game, I am trying to get a handle on how my ahistorical decisions will impact the game. As Prussia, I have begun to take the minor countries by force and annex them after many months of occupation & building warscore. I realize that by doing this, I am probably giving up some "bennies" that I would otherwise gain by peaceful means...but am I screwing up game by doing this? I have come to realize that the game system has many scripted and structured events. But if I choose the sandbox method of play and opt to do things my way (within reason), I wont break the game engine (ie., scripited play) will I? I just don't want to sink hours & hours into the game and then find out that I have broken my game by making ahistorical actions...if that makes sense...

Thanks.

[loki100]

At this stage, I'd say not. The game has some safety nets so a state can't be dismantled if it is needed for a later event. The first Boer War is an example, all GB can do is produce a stalemate as the Boers are needed for a later event chain.

Closer to what you are doing, you can with Sardinia-Piedmont take out the Italian minors if you want (and are prepared to risk it). The Piombieres events are linked to Austria possession of Lombardia and the Veneto. Quickly scrolling down the German chain none have a conditional test that Saxony (or whatever) actually exist, all seem to be conditional on relations with Austria or France - so you may want to ensure you stay at peace with that pair till the 1860 events start to occur.

Even if you play PoN with historic SoIs off, its hard to go far off the reservation. Mainly as the warscore system makes it exceptionally hard to expand beyond what the Nineteenth Century would have seen as your acceptable borders.

[basilhare]

thanks...that is quite helpful...