I am up to Nov-Dec 1915 in a 2 player grand campaign - farthest I have ever played. Tried two other campaigns using the Schlieffen plan but Paris fell in 1914 and the game ended. So tried the Russia first plan (Moltke?). Starting to understand the mechanics of land warfare. Have to say I am really enjoying it. I have owned this game since 2010 but this time I invested time in it and it is starting to make sense. I have found the army by army mode my style. I have a couple of questions though.
1) I understand there are three warfare doctrines (movement, firepower, combined). I don't understand what the difference is. I got the messages about transitioning to firepower in late 1914 (as expected). But what does this mean? I can still attack. The Russian front is still very fluid. Russia has taken heavy losses and I am pushing deep into Russia. I see the Western front as stagnating with trenches being formed but not Russia. I guess my questions are can I just keep on attacking in Russia and do I need to attack in France? (see question 2)
2) Realted to this (I think) is what is a Grand Offense for? I feel like I should be using them. But how would I use it in a fluid situation like Russia? And the one I tried in France I won a teritory but suffered huge losses. Is there something I am not seeing?
3) Diplomacy - right now the CP consists of Germany, AH, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Italy (no Ottomans) - it seems kinda easy to get powers to join using diplomacy - is this normal or a fluke?
4) Naval war - really lost here - high seas fleet has never left port - raided English coast once with the scout fleet - not sure if that did any good but did get 4 ships damaged. Each turn (when I remember) I go and set the cruisers in the other parts of the world to raid status and send them out - not sure if this is doing anything or not - I get messages saying I raided but never states if there was any damage - Half the British fleet is piled up on top of these raiders but I always seem to get away - I am sure there is more to the naval game - any suggestions would help
5) Air war - again not using it at all - couple recon missions when I remember - any suggestions?
I m sure there are other questions but all for now
Thanks
Jack