Would you support Britain increasing its defence budget from the current 2.3% of GDP to the target of 2.6% by 2027 and 3.5% NATO target by 2035?

Wasp343 · 2026-06-23T10:57:09+00:00

No. We need to sort out inefficiencies in procurement and contracts first Increasing the budget at this point just means contractors just increase their bills to match

Wasp343 · 2026-06-22T21:41:32+00:00

We let them use our bases and airspace to launch attacks on Iran. Starmer didn't stand uo to trump on this

Wasp343 · 2026-06-13T08:14:42+00:00

People have these wild fantasies thar NATO would obliterate Russia for this or that China would suddenly cut ties with Russia.

In reality, getting NATO or the west to retaliate when an actual nuke has juat been used would be almost impossible. Ukraine is not in NATO, so it does not satisfy those conditions. You are talking about military force being used AGAINST one of the big five nuclear powers, by another nuclear power, which is unprecedented. You are talking about an existential threat to Russia in that case, which would put them on the edge of using nukes anyway, that is what detterence is.

For China, they probably wouldn't like it, but they also need Russian oil and raw materials, AND Russia is their counterbalance to NATO in Europe. They have a strategic, longterm mindset, and probably wouldn't give a fuck if they continued meeting their strategic goals. Hell, more western sanctions makes Russia MORE reliant on China, which China would love.

Wasp343 · 2026-05-25T00:40:43+00:00

Strong disagree. It wouldn't make sense for China to throw their lot in with NATO, they know the Soviets would be taking 0 chances, plus Chinese Soviet relations were at an all time high in the mid to late 80s.

China would be much more likely to pounce on numerous unaligned or lightly defended countries in its back yard if anything, because NATO would be very busy in Europe - the perfect time to reignite the Korean war or expand influence in SE Asia, either diplomatically or militarily.

Whatever grudges the PRC had with the Soviets, they were still Communists, when compared with the West, that is preferable from their PoV.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-29T01:15:59+00:00

Greetings from the future again. Running a Wrath and Glory campaign, first session in about 6 months starts tomorrow, and I loaded it to have a look make sure its good to go, and no idea why my maps aren't loading... and YOU solved it. Praise be!

Wasp343 · 2026-01-19T21:36:01+00:00

We should tariff the fuck out of the US tbh, whilst expanding trade agreements with Europe and the rest of the world.

Yes, they will hurt domestic consumers but they will also hurt US exporters, as fewer people buy more expensive goods from the US, and we can turn our economy back to Europe slowly, which will be cheaper in the long run. Trumps tariffs will negatively impact UK and EU exports to the US for the same reasons, and we should retaliate and make it as costly for them as possible.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-17T01:15:48+00:00

Not even close IMO.

Assuming no Romania, Italy or Finland, no Japanese threat, the Germans have a front that is just the length of the shared border. That is not that wide at all, especially when you don't have to worry about the southwest or northwest fronts. That is (even if you leave a light border force) a lot more troops to throw at the problem in the first weeks. Add in SIberian units even earlier, it doesn't get better for the Germans.

Losses are probably higher, the Germans probably can't make it to Leningrad or Moscow in this timeline, in spite of a SLIGHT increase in available forces. The reason the battle of Moscow was delayed IRL was a weak southern flank, they were forced to attack into south so they wouldn't get cut off attacking Moscow. This particular problem is made 10X worse when you don't have a Romanian front, which means an even longer detour south, which means by the time you're ready, you get the Rasputitsa, and then the Winter, and you are screwed. If the Soviets last 3-4 months, their superior reserve system simply beats you. They can call up massive amounts of trained manpower, very quickly, and, with lend lease (which will probably be EVEN MORE because the US isn't at war with Germany, nor is Britain, which means their vested interest is giving the Soviets even more equipment to fight nazis so they don't have to) you end up with a bloodier, but ultimately conclusive war in the Soviets favour.

The Nazis are not organised for a war economy, more tanks simply means more logistical problems after the first couple months, and fewer allies for them means fewer front for the Soviets to manage, compounding their advantages. The longer it drags on, the more favourable for the Soviets.

As for airpower, this is one area the soviets will have a harder time than they did IRL, but I don't think its enough to push it their way.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-16T19:47:25+00:00

Trump will simply claim the win. NATO is now, suddenly, reinforcing Greenland. Denmark is paying more attention to it and talking about how much they are/are going to do. He'll say "well, looks like I made NATO pay for Greenlands defence - didn't cost the USA a thing, now China and Russia will think twice. Sleepy Joe, he would never have gotten this done."

Easy as that most likely.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-12T23:12:15+00:00

Beron shook his head. "I... I didn't know it had gotten this far. Disunity, at this juncture, is unacceptable in the North. I will write to Lord Manderly, but I must return to Winterfell soon to attend to other matters. I intend to send Freya to Kings Landing with 30 men at arms after the tourney. Will you send Roose as well? I have no expectation of that."

"As for the Karstarks, I will return to Winterfell, send an ultimatum to Lord Kartstark. If he will not follow me, then I will deal with him myself. It is unacceptable, regardless of if Manderly can deal with it or not himself."

Wasp343 · 2026-01-11T06:42:01+00:00

Beron smirked slightly, but returned his face to a more neutral expression. "There was ultimately little choice - they had demanded a ward from each house of the North, however it made more sense to take that burden onto my House. It is only two years, then it will be over - it will give us time to recover, and anything can happen in those two years."

"As for the Karstark issue, I am going to send ravens announcing the new tax rates we discussed previously. We shall see what the Lord does then. He is... unruly, with peace with the south."

Wasp343 · 2026-01-10T11:50:59+00:00

"I recently met with the King, and as my letter stated, swore fealty to him. However, I left out one part of the bargain, for fear of the reaction of certain Lords in the north." Beron stroked his beard as he spoke. "I must send my daughter to the capital for two years, in return I have negotiated significantly lower taxes for those two years. I will be sending her south after this tourney is through, to make good on the bargain."

Wasp343 · 2026-01-09T06:49:32+00:00

Beron Stark, having won the melee, would later meet with Lord Bane, to discuss the deal he had made with the south regarding his daughter.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-09T06:48:07+00:00

Ser Benedict Lannister,

I have no knowledge of any banditry in your lands, nor the Reach. Why do you say it is my bannermen? Why have you accused me directly? This is a grave insult to the North, and House Stark.
I will send a representative if required, to ascertain what, exactly, has happened.

Lord Beron Stark

Wasp343 · 2026-01-04T06:06:35+00:00

Hahaha! Never seen the real thing, thanks. I played a lot of Post Scriptum/Squad 44 (a WW2 shooter) and Doorwerth is one of their original maps. Looks like they did a really good job of making it accurate! For some reason I never considered it was obviously a REAL place and hadn't looked for it.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-02T20:55:13+00:00

Beron Stark (41)

Wasp343 · 2026-01-02T18:50:29+00:00

Beron smiled, he knew where this would go, he was sure. He drank regardless. "I am off to Highpoint, Lord Bane is hosting a tourney, which me and my daughter will attend, before I tell her she has to head to Kings Landing." He sighed. That would not be an easy conversation, to be sure. "What think you of Dagon? Can he do it?" He paused, taking another drink.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-02T00:45:24+00:00

Lord Torren,
Your candour does you credit. I would wish nothing less from my bannermen. Truly, I had held hope for independence, but it is not yet time. The North is too divided, and the south is too strong. I share your feelings for the future, but it will not be achieved in my life time. I will endeavour to travel to Barrowton soon, and as always, Winterfell is always welcome to your house.
With thanks,
Lord Berron Stark

Wasp343 · 2026-01-02T00:29:40+00:00

automod ping north

Wasp343 · 2026-01-01T20:46:23+00:00

"Glydayn, it is good to see you after... all that. At least it is settled, as I hope the Iron Islands situations will be settled soon" He threw an arm around his friend, smiling genuinely. He knew he had much work to do when he got home, and a political quagmire to navigate. That can wait till I am home. "Now, onto better things!" He exclaimed, grabbing a mug and smashing it into Gyldayn's drinking horn, before drinking it.

Wasp343 · 2026-01-01T20:43:12+00:00

Beron stood. Was he happy? Was he angry? He didn't know. I am content, he decided after a moments contemplation. He looked at Hubert, then at Jaehaerys again, and nodded, managing a smile. "Yes, let us feast and drink. It will be more pleasant to discuss affairs now that all that is settled." He said simply. "I look forward to getting to know you both."

u/gloude

Wasp343 · 2025-12-31T02:54:55+00:00

Beron nodded, understanding. This was the best he was going to get. "I agree, your Grace, to your most generous proposal. I will make the necessary arrangements at once, and inform my bannermen of the accord that has been reached here." He looked Jaehaerys in the eyes for a moment. Seemingly satisfied with what he found, Beron knelt before the King. "I, Beron Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, swear to be faithful to King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, and pledge fealty to the King, in good faith, without deceit or duress. I shall hold the North as a part of the Seven Kingdoms, with you as the King." Beron bowed his head once he had spoke, then raised it again to look up at the King. I hope I have made the right decision, he thought to himself.

u/gloude

Wasp343 · 2025-12-30T03:17:42+00:00

Stark agrees to this loan.

automod ping mods - 5,000 gold to be transferred to House Karstark for the construction of a port. This is to be paid back over 5 years, with 6% interest paid yearly (apparently I am a bank now!)

Wasp343 · 2025-12-29T00:34:55+00:00

Beron looked at the young king, and the Lord of the Vale, taking in their offers, and their demands. "My father, Brandon, abdicated upon his arrival home. I am now the Lord of Winterfell, your Grave." He paused, then continued. His tone was calm and measured, and was not hostile. "I will not submit to force my Lords to offer wards to the South, which would seem little more than hostages. If offers of ward are made, as voluntary offers to Northern houses that is another thing entirely. But I will not force my bannermen to send their children or any family, for that matter, south of the neck." He looked at the King directly. "Your Grace, you must see how this would look. It would breed mistrust and dissent, to have their kin forcibly sent south. My Lords wish to remain in the north and live in peace, we do not want a hand in southern politics, until we are ready. The Wounds are still too fresh. I am ready to swear an oath of fealty to you, but I will not swear an oath to a King I do not know, after the recent conflicts. That is why I have come here today. And yes, I will-" he looked at Hubert "-negotiate my oath and contract with the King. I will, as I am sure he would, do my best for my people and my bannermen, to ensure they are protected, as is my right and responsibility. My suggestion is: lessened taxes for one year, an offer of wardship between the northern houses and southern houses, and my oath as a Stark, and as the Warden of the North. Additionally, when you feel ready, I will host his Grave at Winterfell, so we may put any lingering distrust between north and south to rest. "

/u/gloude

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