Hi guys,

lately I've been considering a number of changes to the variant. Since I thought you might be interested in what I'm planning for 1648 and appreciate any feedback, here's a brief overview of the various changes I have in mind:

1) MERE 15 SCs REQUIRED FOR A SOLO VICTORY:

In other words, you need only 26% rather than 31% of all SCs to become the continent's hegemon. This is supposed to both make solos easier to achieve and tempt players to stab more often.

2) ADDITION OF LUXEMBOURG BUFFER SPACE:

Not only does this afford all player more room for manoeuvre, but it grants France better access to the Empire and removes the intitial leverage the Spanish Army of Flanders enjoys over Lorraine, to date the primary gateway for France towards the East.

3) VENICE & TUSCANY NO LONGER ADJACENT:

Lombardy's importance is enhanced now that it also borders the Papal States. This somewhat lessens Franco-Austrian friction as spheres of interest in Italy are more easily separated. There's now also a symmetry regarding the number of minor powers may lend support Austrian and French attempts in taking their respective Italian "natural SCs". Which means also that Austria can more easily kept out of Italy than under the present rules.

Much as the addition of Luxembourg, this change is in part explained by my desire to help France.

4) ADDITION OF STRAIT OF SICILY & GULF OF SIDRA SEA SPACES:

This equally provides greater room for manoeuvre. The Tyrrhenian was too much of a bottleneck, for my tastes. Sardinia and Sicily both gain greater relevance. Spain's Naples becomes more of an outpost considering the now greater distance to Sevilla. And Tunis is further removed from Spain's power base. Indeed, I think the power balance in the Med considerably shifts towards Turkey. So Spain has quite a bit more on its plate, which in turn affects France's fortunes. I'd argue Spain now feels really thinly spread, much as it was historically.

Now, the Ionian remains as central in Spanish-Turkish affairs. But there's now also a Southern line of advance across the Mediterranean.

Anyway, what do you think of these changes shown on the below map? And if you have any ideas of your own as what to change, I'd be interested in those too.

Cheers,

Charles