---

Several days at sea had landed King Rolfe in the capital of Zellon, Evanston. It almost reminded him of home. Much like in Braiyusal the cities where packed with thousands of people of every walk of life. At first glance, he would have thought that they somehow got turned around, but he knew his home better than anyone. The weather was more gruesome compared to the warmer climates in Braiyusal, and the people paler. He was joined by two of his children Prince Nicolet III and Princess Jane. Nicolet welcomed the change, he had seen many lands, but this one had a hint of change that he liked. Princess Jane however walked cautiously behind, watching every step, and every bystander who gazed at their presence. It wasn't much of a surprise however, they where guarded by 24 Braiyusalian Elites on their journey. A somewhat heavy presence, but for them this was a new land.

Soon enough they arrived into the home of King James Conrad. The King's butler answered the door and invited the family inside. Where they were greeted by all the servants of the house and some guards and even the daughter of the King. However King James was no where to be found. When King Rolfe asked where he was the head butler escorted Rolfe to King James office while Kara took Nicolet and Jane to see the estate.

"Hello, your majesty King James, I figured dinner would be a bit more formal. Under different circumstances I would have thought this was a private date." He joked. It was a bit irritating to him that King James had not bothered to greet him in public with his two children. "But I take it this is business related."

"Of course, my apologies for not greeting you at the door I wasn't expecting you and I had asked my staff to not interrupt me. Please have a seat and yes this is about business, As you know the Naval powers of Nehelania and Skeptoni worry me. Especially Nehelania with their vast colonies and even having a steam driven train. However, I sense a war to be coming soon. Rather then having us each fight for ourselves we must be united us Island powers which require so much from our colonies and naval trade. I wish for us to become allies and staunch trading partners." James said as he finished up his letter.

Rolfe's face quickly turned grim. "I'm always willing to open up trade with a nation, but I can't trust your nation enough for an alliance. War will not dawn tomorrow, or even for months. Let our friendship flourish." He then began to take the offered seat. "I can understand Nehelania, but I have received no ill will from the people of Skeptoni, little contact as I've had with them." This lack of contact was strange considering the general vicinity of the two nations, but it had always been this way.

"King Rolfe you must think not only of tomorrow but for your family, I am old I'm not long for this world and I must secure my family and if you are able to help support them and myself we are always generous to our friends." James said standing up and heading to the window to look into the bay with most of the fleet at anchor.

"How do I know we are friends. This is the first contact we have had with Zellon in a long time. The first time I've even step foot in your lands. You ask me to think of my families future, yet at the same time ask that I walk blindly into a deal that may very well ruin my countries political relations." He then paused to regain his composer. His frustration was showing, and he knew that it was best to take a step back. "So, that trade deal is what you must learn to accept for now. All we want is time to trust, rather than to blindly follow a nation into war."

James nodded "Perhaps, I assume you'll be here for a few days? If so then we can continue these meetings over the course." A knock was heard at the door and the butler notified them that dinner was ready to be served. "Please King Rolfe follow me to the dining room." As they walked downstairs they passed various paintings of previous kings of the Empire and even some Queens. Once they finally got to the dining room the kids had already been seated and James sat at the Head of the table. They were served some soup before the main course of Pig, Lobsters and Chicken.

Princess Jane continued her reclusive state from earlier, she wasn't accustomed to change, and was doing a poor job at hiding it. Nicolet drank heavily, and laughed obsessively at any jokes said at the table. Eventually King Rolfe turned towards James and commented "The food is lovely, my only regret is that we could have shown the same courtesy." Referring to his two children's absentminded and disrespectful behavior.
"Oh please don't worry about. Why when I was young and traveled I wasn't the best house guest." James said while he looked at Kara who had been who had been somewhat quiet but attempted to join in the conversation when she could. Also at the table were some wealthy factory owners and prestigious generals and admirals.

"How kind of you, but if they do not learn now, then when?" He then turned to Nicolet, who was almost unconscious due to the heavy drinking. "You are my heir, act like it Nicolet. A drunkard makes a better fool then king." Nicolet sprung up, and put down the drink. His alcoholism had been a problem as of late.

"If you'd like I can have one of the drill officers make him into a real soldier. Though that'll take a few months." Zach said as he nearly finished his plate and took a sip of some nice wine.

"Not entirely a bad idea, but I doubt he would last that long. As much as I care for my son, he isn't the most..." he paused staring at Nicolet, who had started to fall asleep at the table. "Idealistic of men." Princess Jane continued in her silence almost as if she was brooding over the trip. After almost an hour of awkward silence had passed the guests had retired to their rooms, with plans on leaving come sunrise the next day.

Dalatrum Strengthens it's Position (September 5th, 1936)

The summer was warm, but short. Temperatures dipped as early as August, the winds of the western whipping across the plains as far as eastern Boletaria. The lightning quick fall of Dalatrum from it's Great Power status meant that many had lost respect for them, though the new regime didn't tally. At the end of July, the the Dalatrian's held the Kesa Conference, calling to order the leaders of the Republic of Zukovia. A client state, the moderate Dalatrians had long held the Zukovians desire for autonomy close to their hearts. This wasn't to last, however.

The autonomous respect of Zukovian was removed and instead it's territories folded into Dalatrum, it's industry and population as well. The Dalatrian High Command saw this move as a preemptive defense against the current Sanguine War of Aggression. The Sanguine, if victorious (the most likely outcome) would now be peering west to Muthandria and Dalatrum. Strengthening its own position and removing Zukovia as another potential target was the next best move.

[The United Kingdoms of Dalatrum annex the client state Republic of Zukovia.]

---

The Sanguine War of Aggression (1836)

The Battle of Vulgas (September 21st, 1836)

Though the Kapitans had lost every battle of the war, and surrendered only four months after the Sanguine came sweeping across the borders, it was the near defeat at the Vulgas river that revealed not only to the Sanguine High Command, but to the rest of the world how inept the swollen Sanguine military was. Led by General Iletsky, the Sanguine relentlessly pursued the Kapitan Army retreating further into it's hinterlands in an attempt to quickly end the war. It was at the Vulgas river that the Kapitans set their trap.

Historians would later argue it was Iletsky's penchant for court life that made him soft, while others stated that Iletsky was as competent as they come and it was bad weather and Kapitan tenacity that cost the Sanguine so much. The Sanguine had set a short perimeter at the river and started to cross under cover of darkness. Sanguine scouts reported signs that the Kapitan Army had already retreated beyond the river, but this was an elaborate ruse by General Wvosesroz of Kapitas. Instaed, Wvosesroz had placed several regiments on the near side of the river, as well as all 10,000 of the Kapitan Cossacks, the fiercest horseman in the world. When they struck, the remainder of the Kapitan Army would deny the Sanguine any victory at all. A smashing success here might force the Sanguine to sue for mere territorial gains.

The battle began more as an ambush, and much of the Sanguine's problems stemmed from the early death of General Iletsky. The Cossacks emerged from the steppes and charged the still forming lines of Sanguine infantry (those men attempting to give battle to the Kapitans across the battle). The Cossacks charged, sabers out, and did not seek to fall back. The Sanguine learned first hand the ruthlessness and tenacity of the Cossacks, who in many circumstances seemed to fight without any regard for their own life. Three of the five Sanguine regiments formed at the lip of the river had shattered, and it looked as if the Kapitans would carry the day.



A young lieutenant named Khurnov, rallied the 5th, 12th and 17th regiments further inland, establishing a long and thin line that began picking off stray Cossacks. The Cossacks turned and charged, falling upon them in a frantic scream that saw many of the green Sanguine regulars abandon their position. Khurnov had positioned several more regiments behind this first line, and began systematically falling back, whittling the Cossacks down over and over. After 8 hours of fighting, all but 700 of the Cossacks were dead.

The Kapitans, still numerically superior with their forces across the river, were ill equipped and had run out of ammunition. They fell back, and by morning the battered remnants of the Sanguine Army held both sides of the river. Over 9,000 Cossacks had been killed, 5,000 Kapitan regulars, and over 15,000 Sanguine lay dead.

Thirteen days later, Sanguine diplomats were finalizing paperwork for Kapitan annexation into the Greater Sanguine Empire. The Sanguine War of Aggression was over. Over 50,000 Sanguine had been killed, and questions within the administrative circles of the Empire seriously began to linger about the competency of its military. Half a hundred thousand men had been killed for a nation without any industry at all.

[The Sanguine Empire loses 50,000 men.]
[The Sanguine Empire wins the Sanguine War of Aggression.]
[The Sanguine Empire annexes the Kingdom of Kapitas.]

With Fall beginning to set in and crops being harvested, Sawl was going to enter a state where it had not really been in much before as their home was really not that cold. They did not get a lot of the problems that the Old World got in when fall began to set in, probably due to the fact that they were more down south than most nations. The army was still sitting with 4,000 people strong and the Dictator, Williams, knew that they would need many more men if they were to fully defend themselves.

More recruiters went out to to this time recruit ten thousand able bodied men so that Williams would be happier with how the military was going, it needed to be done. Williams knew that there would be many more eneimes out there as the ship that had been sent out had gotten maps to how the world was now. It had changed a lot from when Sawl had originally been founded so at least know they had a general idea where the nations were. No doubt that things would change in the near future, however.

Williams over looked the port to the capitol, Sawl, and watched as the ships docked and moved back out into see in order to patrol the waters that were in the bay. The third rates had gone on patrol once more as some secnd rates docked to take a good rest until they would be needed again. "Sir, it is a splendid day out. Why not go and socialize with your people?," his servant asked before he was silenced by a flick of the Dictator's hand. "I have much work to do if we are to be a major power in this world. Just think of how it will be if we could rival the Old World," Williams said with a smile. "In that case, I will leave you to it," the servant said before leaving, closing the door being him.

The Kesa Conference went well as they were able to annex their only client state and not cause any issues with the annexition. The Queen didn't annexed for a change to make Dalatrum a Great Power again, it was more of protecting the country for Sanguine Empire. Their war against the Kingdom of Kapitas was going well for a nation without any factories. She didn't like the idea of annexing their friend, but she later told the public that she only did it to protect the people of Kapitas. The general liked Louise's decision to annex them and sent troops to help secure the capital and other major cities in Kapitas.

Since Sanguine won and annexed the Kingdom of Kapitas, the Queen wasn't worried that they will start another war so quickly after just finishing one up. However, the Queen did have private talks with the general in case of war with Sanguine. And rumors of that Queen and the General are lovers started to spread after one of their talks. When the talks ended, a letter for the Empire of Zellon arrived for the Queen and it was about blockading Nehalenia. At the moment, she had nothing to say about the blockade on Nehalenia as they were a powerful colonial country. Even known they weren't friends, Louise said that she wouldn't want to make enemies of Nehalenia even more.


When summer ended, the Queen decided to make a eastern sea economic pact similar to the 'West-Sea Trade Agreement'. The pact consisted of the following:


The East-Seas Trading Pact

1. Sinesia, Braiyusal, Tangaria, Vitannia, Muthandia, Maljuk Caliphate, and Sanguine Empire shall escort their partners merchant ships and vice versa.
1.1. If said nation doesn't wish to join the pact, then the nation doesn't have to sign it.
1.2. If said nation does want to join the pact at a later date, then the nation has to get a copy of the pact and then sign their name on it.

2. All partner nations shall open their ports to the other partner nations.
2.1. If a nation wishes to still fine the other nations in the pact, then they can do so.

3. All partner nation must be able to protect the seas and trading ships for any threats face them.

Castella Miego's Mansion
Tiolli, Cordia del Sud Province
August 23, 1836

The marvelous gala had just ended and the room was cleared. Just an hour before midnight. The celebrations for the feast day of the most blessed Saint Simon Benegatti had just came to a close. It was a time of great jubilation. The day began with a mass to hold commemoration for the the special day. The bishop himself was there to lead the mass. Once more, he reminded the people of the importance of God and the church for the lives of the everyday man. This was an obvious challenge of the growing progressive movement of the country. The parliament members in attendance simply brushed the bishop's word aside. Then came a massive feast offered by the host, Governer Castella Miego.

Miego had been the ellected governor of the province known as Cordia del Sud, roughly translated into "Southern Cordia". He is a man of short stature, a notably round belly and had balding grey hair. None knows hes true age as he claims it is fun to watch others guess. Governor Miego prepared a meal fit for royalty. Roasted suckling pig, pieces of meat on a skewer grilled over an open flame with strange vegetables from Maljuk sultanate, broiled lamb with a side dish of viana sauce. Many who feasted found themselves unable to stand after such a meal. The grandeur continued on well unto the evening as a grand gala was held. Parliament members, the royal family, the bishops and his clergy and family and friends of Governor Miego spent the night with exuberance without compare.

However the night came to a close and one by one, the guest began to depart. The parliament members and the king stayed inside the mansion's ballroom. There was much to discuss.

Vatannia had kept itself low amidst the thunderous roar of wars and threats going around outside the nation. Sanguine and Kapitas, Fulric and Schulstien and God only knows which ones would be next. Vatannia was a nation with relatively few allies if the young nation found itself in the grip of war. The Galvian state to the north was but a puppet to Vatannia. Braiyusal was one of the few Corthide countries but they would not help Vatannia in any future skirmishes. Skeptonia and Dalatrum were trade competitors Vatannia would rather not seek armed conflict with. Alone with wolves eyeing a meek and defenseless prey, its leaders sought to create allies. A desperate attempt was made to fund those who wanted to spread democracy for themselves. This opportunity came when Jarellian rebels started an open armed revolt against the Second Kingdom of Murellia. Hopeful of the situation, the parliament sent aid and arms to the rebels. However the rebellion was quickly crushed and Vatannia was left with no rewards from its venture.

Like a traitor caught in the throng of an angry crowd, Vatannia kept its head low as the her neighbors began to settle their disputes with firearms. Prime Minister Francesco Demagio had invited the parliament members to the festivities for a convient meeting. The parliament members took their seats on lavishly carved arm chairs made of Orlian Oak. A steward was called to deliver refreshments of the men gathering inside the room. Prime Minister Demagio was the last to arrive himself. He took a seat at the right side of the group, next to his highness Amanni Morcos. All eyes inside the room turned towards them. Prime Minister Demagio raised his glass.

"Gentle, I am quite happy you could make it to our assembly. My apologies for calling you this time of the night. Our activities had left us little time during the day so we must endure the calls of the sandman. Although I am sure that the allure of the finest wine ever tasted by the lips of men would keep you awake."

There was a light air of chuckles. The prime minister himself smiled at the crowd before he continued.

"I do not wish to waste your time any further. Let us discuss the matter at hand."

Before continuing, a young lad in his mid 20's rose from his seat. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. Hair gold as the rising morning sun and blue eyes that pierced the soul. It was Hermann Ciaconna. Hermann was the adopted boy of a wealthy landowner. He made his way into politics trying to shore up landowner reform laws that would limit the power of landowners over farmers. Prime Minister Demagio always imagined he had a grudge against his father. He was a brilliant young man, one of the finest members of parliament.

"Should we not be discussing this back at Polma?" Ciaconna asked.

"Well yes however I felt that our establishment was in dire need of entertainment before we discussed matters." Prime Minister Demagio answered. The young man nodded and sat back with a slight smile on his face. Oh the youth.

"As I was saying, you know of the problems that plague our nation." The men inside the room kept their eyes fixed on Demagio. Vatannia had a great deal of problems. It was the task of the Prime Minister to fix which was most pressing. "We are in the midst of the storm without any shelter. Surrounded by those who find our independence and our revolution a sham. Our only source refuge is our friends to the north and our faith in God and our national unity." As Demagio continued, he saw the weariness in the eyes of those around him. He needed to reduce his theatrics and continue straight to the point.

"And to keep our national unity, we need to keep the fires of industry burning alive." Intrigued, the men lean towards him. "That is why I propose the establishment trade negotiations towards Maljuk Caliphate."

Their curiosity of turned to caution. Demagio urged them to keep their composure and keep their attention towards himself.

"The Caliphate is a rising power such as ourselves. However they have yet to accomplish the fast beat of industry we have in Vatannia. They have plenty of flax crop. However they weave their clothing by hand. We have looms that could weave as many fabrics as large number of their workers."

"And what makes you so sure that they would be willing to barter with the likes of us?" An older gentlemen from the crowd asked. The tough exterior of a war veteran and a thick mustache. Sir Antonio Mivaldi, always suspicious of Demagio.

"They too share our situation. Formed by those who seek to establish themselves anew from an old order. we should come to an understanding with this people. If not, then we could at least negotiate for equal trading rights."

The other faces in the room, redoubtably tired, came into agreement. They raised their glasses of wine towards Demagio. He raised his towards them.

"Gentlemen, towards prosperity."

A string of 'ayes' filled the room. The Concert of Tiolli came to an end.

Imperium Of Skeptoni
September 1836

Lithasblot



The Imperium of Skeptoni has long been connected to the religion of Ásatrú a pagan religion as old as the world its self. Today on September 21st the festival of Lithasblot has begun. The festival gives thanks to the giantess Jörð the personification of earth for her prosperous bounty. It is common practice and usually expected from every family for alms to be given to the unfortunate at this time in the form of food, clothing, or money. This is done to help bring communities closer together and to show that everyone has a place in the world. Some influential people in Skeptonian history such as philosophers, commanders, artist, etc have been known to have nothing until the Lithasblot gave them something and once they could get back on their feet they usually in turn gave back to the community for helping them in a time of need.



As per custom the ruling monarch at the time led a great feast in the capital for the nobility. The most talented dancers, sword jugglers, and musicians from all over came to entertain for this festival. The feast had seven courses of some of the most luxurious and best made food in the world. A kid goat, goslings, chickens, pigeons, young rabbits, herons, leveret, a fat capon stuffed, chickens covered with yolks of eggs and sprinkled with spice, wild boars, anything you can think of it was there and it was delicious. Keiser Herald decided to give his alms to the unfourtante this Lithasblot by donating all the leftovers from feast to orphanages around the capital.

The nobles weren't the only ones celebrating as pubs all over the nation were packed as people drank, ate, and sung together during the festivities. Tonight was the night were people all over the nation came together to celebrate as one, tonight was the night were everyone was proud to be a Skeptonian. Although after the first night of celebration and everyone had slept of their hangover it appeared that about 5000 dollars in damage had occurred to a pub in the capital. A new record after last years 3300 dollars in damage.

"Does your new rank suit you?" said General Bancaster. He was speaking to Captain Khurnov, but did not move his gaze from the casket before him.

Khurnov said nothing for a minute. He glanced around at the people gathered. Iletsky, always the one for dramatics, had wished his funeral be held on the battlefield where he died. He speculated with conviction that his end should come on one. Unfortunately, he was right. "I suppose," Khurnov finally said.

A priest from home had been taken all the way here to perform the sermon, as was the general's family, and those close to him, of which there were many. Khurnov was no exception. For all Iletsky's flaws, he was a charming and endearing man, friends to nearly all he met. Except, perhaps, the Bancasters. The Bancasters had an ancient feud with emotions. But even they would not risk appearances to avoid attending, and so they too came to honour the old general, standing like statues next to the hunched, shivering, and weeping crowd.

"You suppose?"

"Well, it's an honour, truly. But, I did what I had to. I don't feel like a hero." He looked on at the casket. "Especially not now," he added meekly.

"You should be honoured," Bancaster said unphased, "That medal on your lapel hasn't been given out many times."

Khurnov nodded. He didn't care for the medal itself. The sentiment of it, the knowledge that without him, the nation would have suffered a grave defeat, the legacy he would leave, that mattered to him more than the medal, or the estate of newly conquered land he was given. Bancaster's materialism surprised him. "Don't mistake me for ungrateful. But, Iletsky was a man I admired. The mood is not jovial."

"Yes. Of course."

The sermon continued without another word between them. Iletsky's body was mangled such that an open casket would have been distasteful, so the final goodbyes and kisses were skipped. The family were the only ones allowed to see his body before it was lowered into the grave; a large and solitary headstone placed in front of the Volga river.

Khurnov's spirits did not rise after its end. There was one more unpleasant task before him before he could end this day: another "honour."



Castle Turkov was a splendid and well-kept ruin from the middle ages. It stood on a hill outside the capitol, with a long, winding path leading up to it. The bitter chill was amplified by the raised altitude, and when the wagon finally arrived behind its courtyard, he was embraced by the insulated warmth of the keep.

Several guards escorted him downwards, to the dungeons. They made no attempt at conversation. Stomach butterflies put a lump in his throat. It was his grim honour to carry out this deed, as instructed by none other than the Emperor himself. There was much talk of Damian. Khurnov had not made up his mind about the Emperor, as he'd never had the chance to meet him. But this order was cruel.

At the furthest end of the dungeon, in a nondescript cell, laid a shivering, naked man. He had a beetle belly, and a thick, drooping chin. His graying hair was a mess, and filth covered his body.

This was the King of Kapitas.

The two guards unlocked the cell, and entered inside with Khurnov.

The man looked up in horror, and appeared to beg in Kapitan, whimpering and pleading. It would be pathetic for any man to be in his place. But here was a king, locked in his own dungeon, stripped of his clothes, and begging for the third son of a minor landholder to spare his life. Did he even know what was done to his family?

Khurnov stood there for a moment longer, before one of the guardsmen abruptly spoke, "Do you need a translation, sir?"

"No," he said, before drawing out his pistol. "Give him this. Tell him we will let him end his own life."

The soldier did so. The Kings sobbed stopped, and he grabbed the gun, looking on it in horror. He kneeled down and prayed for a long time, perhaps an hour. Khurnov made no objection, though the guards fidgeted in impatience.

The King finished his prayer, and looked on for one final time at Khurnov, with eyes like a sad puppy. Khurnov had a mixture of pity and distaste for the man. This was not the way a King should accept death. Yet, this was not the way a King should be treated.

Khurnov only nodded, doing his best to keep his face set.

At last, the King stuck the gun into his mouth, and shot his brains onto the wall. The noise from the gun inside the small chambers was deafening.

Khurnov explained to the guards that he and they were the only ones to know of the King and his family's fate. If it is ever heard from their lips, they will know a death like Turkov's. This did not invoke so much as a flinch from the guards, who mechanically wrapped the body in a thick blanket, before dragging it back to the wagon, and burying it in a mass grave, next to common soldiers, and the ruined remains of the castle's servants.

Khurnov did not sleep well that night. There were yet more sins to commit. His orders were to maintain peace in the capitol with a garrison of men. Any sign of rebellion or insurrection was to be put down with merciless haste. Encouragements were made to make examples of people. Spoils from the war were to be redistributed to his men. It did not even occur to the General Staff to stipulate whether he was allowed to give any of it back to whomever it was stolen from.





Sinesia's wamrth was pleasant year-round. But it seemed that even in autumn, the Keljudi lands were stifling.

Felin Dovan had waved goodbye to those companions he'd befriended in Sinesia, and the woman bearing his child. Her oaf of a husband believed it was his, nevermind their not laying together in months. He promised, as he always did, to return someday. He really meant it, this time. With such a lovely girl, the boy was destined to be handsome. Hopefully he inherited his brains, rather than his mother's.

After days of travel, the Sultan's court was before him. There were no Tarquen, Junai, or Keljudi peoples the Imperial court trusted enough to send on this diplomatic mission. But this mission was to be easy: there were no contracts or deals to make. He had only to apply his prodigious charms.

The Sultan's palace stood out from the dunes of desert sand like a monolith. Felin breathed a sigh of relief as it came into full view. The heat had caused mirages to fool them many times, and he had a thirst like he'd never had pleasure to know.



"So, this is why we haven't heard anything from Dalatrum," Emperor Damian pondered aloud. He was alone, in his study, reading over a recent newspaper for Dalatrum's capitol. He'd had it requested after speaking with the diplomat posted at Sinesia's court. They, of course, heard about the recent events there much quicker than he.

He'd learned more than he expected from the paper. At that moment, he'd made up mind on the document he'd been keeping in his desk drawer. He took it out, signed it, and called for an aide to have it delivered. He grinned to himself with mild satisfaction at the former Great Power's predicament. Less than a year ago, they had rejected an alliance with them. Now they faced internal disorder, and the shame of losing their high place on the world's stage.

Nevertheless, he had no intentions of making them his enemy. He would not give them anything resembling trust. He could agree to walking away from a stand-off, so to speak, but no more.



The East-Seas Trading Pact

1. Sinesia, Braiyusal, Tangaria, Vitannia, Muthandia, Maljuk Caliphate, and Sanguine Empire shall escort their partners merchant ships and vice versa.
1.1. If said nation doesn't wish to join the pact, then the nation doesn't have to sign it.
1.2. If said nation does want to join the pact at a later date, then the nation has to get a copy of the pact and then sign their name on it.

2. All partner nations shall open their ports to the other partner nations.
2.1. If a nation wishes to still fine the other nations in the pact, then they can do so.

3. All partner nation must be able to protect the seas and trading ships for any threats face them.

By the Imperial Authority of the Sanguine Empire, this agreement is hereby rejected.

- Emperor Damian Gregory Amoury

The Empire of Zellon

As the King,his daughter and their wedding planner finished making plans for the wedding. The king walked them out of his office so they could begin preparing. The King returned to his desk to begin writing invitations.



The king called in multiple messengers who would send these to who they needed to go to.

King Alorik II.
Wrenclaw, Capital of Boletaria. The Imperial Palace.

The world was an ever-changing place. Even now, nations and the ambitions of men were at work. The Sanguine War of Aggression. The embargo and denouncement of Nehelenia. Every day the political landscape changed, and yet Boletaria did nothing, sitting idly by as the world changed around them. No longer.

The King sat within his own study, candles lit by silent servants kept the room alight, revealing several bookshelves all full with tomes offering a variety of knowledge. Several diplomatic letters marked with the seals of various nations sat on the desk before him. He would draft his own reply to each, nothing less was to be expected. His own words would mark his own intent. Not twisted by scribes who was paid to do such. It was at times like this when he both appreciated and resented the peace and silence. Being the last of his dynasty, and with no heir to call his own. The fate of the Veliko's rule hung like a burden on him, and despite the constant attentions of attendees and advisers, he found himself yearning for more.







Colonel Krall.
Fort Meyer, Sulvig Border.

The thunder of thousands of marching feet upon crunching snow, accompanied by the drum of kettledrums permitted the air in loud clashes of sound. Colonel Krall stood, hands behind his back and donned in a long blue tailcoat which shrugged of the cold winds as he observed the training of the 26th Infantry Division. The 20,000 green conscripts, now under his command. These men, whose lives were now the Colonels will made manifest whether volunteers or conscripted, had clearly never seen combat and were not prepared for the sharp combination of the horrors of war with the strict discipline of the military.

That fact however, would change with the season. By it's end, these men would no longer be a shame upon the Commonwealth army, but a reputable, organised and reliable force worthy of the uniform they now donned. Naturally, his own command of the Division only helped their cause. Educated in the Academy of Anvegad in all matters of war and strategy, Colonel Krall had a firm grasp on the subject of war, perhaps more so than those that commanded even him.

Odinion, Capital of Skeptoni
Fall 1836

Keiser Herald of Skeptoni's Speech on Schulstein
Today Keiser Herald held a speech in the capital about the current situation in the Fulric-Schulstein tensions. After the speech was given copies of the speech were sent to all the old world leaders and it was distributed across the old world when Skeptonian merchants started to bring in free copies into other nations after a royal decree from Keiser Herald. This is what was written on all the copies.

Hello everyone thank you for coming to listen to this speech on the current political landscape over in Fulric and Schulstein. It is important that you all have knowledge about the history in that region prior to hearing what I have to say. In 1699 the brave revolutionaries in Schulstein fought against the tyrannical grand king of Schulstein. They successfully won their war for independence the same year against the cruel king. The Schulstein King ceded a third of his territory to the revolutionaries and FORFEITED ALL CLAIMS to those lands, so the Duchy of Fulric was born. But in 1807 the fool king Marwick Ludwig Donitz IV attempted to take the lands despite having no claims to them or a justifiable reason for war. The King was pushed back and defeated by the Fulricians. Then once again in 1809 King Marwick attempted to do the same thing, he was swiftly defeated once more. Now in 1836 King Marwick threatens to try and do these horrific acts again. THESE ACTS ARE NOTHING SHORT OF TERRORISM! Three times the Fulricians proved they did not need and still do not need the Schulsteins to impose their tyrannical rule on them! The Grand King of Schulstein is a barbaric man and he threatens the worlds peace! The mad man will not stop at just taking one more kingdom, destroying one more empire, torturing one more human life. I call upon the leaders of the world to stand up to this tyrannical mad man. Anyone who is aiding this terrorist or just doesn't care about it, just ask yourself "What if it was my freedom they threatened to take away, What if it was my family and friends whose lives would be destroyed by these terrorist, WHAT IF it was happening right in my own kingdom... I will leave it at that, may the gods bless the world.

For a second the crowd stood still,their breath taken at the power of the speech and then they exploded into a chant of support to rid the world of the terrorist in Schulstein.
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Herald had returned to his chambers hours after he gave his speech and began to write a letter to the Grand King Of Schulstein...

A couple more of factories has started to work in the previous months , is expected that we see a couple more until the end of the year , thanks to the king now there less beggars as they had started to work in the new factories , as for the end of the year the King has already ordered to make preparations for several festivals and expositions .





Trade Treaty Kalpia-Skeptoni

We want to propose a formal trade treaty between our two countries with the objective to strenght both economies in the future.

-Kalpia and Skeptoni will decrease tariffs in benefit of the merchants of both countries
-Kalpia and Skeptoni will reduce the taxes in finished goods and industrial goods traded between our countries
-Kalpia and Skeptoni will firm this treaty every 5 years.

[X]King Ausht IV of Kalpia
[]Keiser Herald Skaneg of Skeptoni

The Succession Crisis begins

Following the example of the leaves, the Oslad government began to face changes with the coming Fall and the soon return of winter. Over the year of 1836 Oslad faced a multitude of Sociopolitical issues that were inherent with their system. Issues stemming from the autonomy of King Ulgrin II's royal cabinet and the autonomy of each noble who held a seat within the Osladian Council. The changing of the leaves saw Oslad rise to the status of a Great Power, and with it the start of a long-lasting bias leaning northwest towards Autrina and Holsidan. Within the Royal Council Autrinan noble and ally to the Holsidans via marriage Matias VII, grandson of former King Ottovan V and face of the Militarists, came to notable popularity with his declaration for heirdom. For months all of the nobility had known of Ulgrin's slowly failing health and it was only a matter of time before he was to subside. By October the only candidate had been Ulgrin's son, Nikolai. However, Matias would prove to be a challenge in the future.

Letters of Fall

With Oslad's rise in prestige came a flurry of letters to Ulgrin and his ministry. The modern era left the old King tired and stressed, the speed of the new age was simply too quick for a man of his time.

However, despite the troublings of the ailing King, the cabinet was able to manage the growing pile of congratulatory messages and requests.



There March the Soldiers

Over the summer months hundreds of men flocked to the banner of the rapidly modernizing Oslad Royal Army. The Patriarchs of Sarahek blessed newly formed regiments throughout the summer and artists flooded the streets to seal the faces of Oslad's heroes for the ages within their paints. It seemed that, at long last, Oslad could begin to stand alongside her fellow powers as a competent nation with an armed forces able to protect herself against her threats.



None the less, the Osladian High Command pleaded to the Royal Cabinet to request that the strategists of Oslad travel to Anvegad and learn at the Military University there. After much pleading and a few 'humble donations' to certain ministers, the request was sent.

KEY
POLITICAL
MILITARY
ECONOMIC

Timeline: October to December 31st, 1836
OCTOBER

October 3rd: Vatanno-Caliphate Trade Agreement is signed. While diplomats took several weeks to manage correspondence, the Caliph Hammid Mohammed agreed to the idea of open trade between the regional power of Vatannia. The harbors for the Caliphate opened for Vatannian traders days later.

October 12th: A garrison of Sanguine soldiers in the former Kapitan capital are attacked and killed while on patrol. Investigations by the commander of the garrison seems to believe it to be Kapitan nationalists. The soldiers' throats were slit, and their bodies bereft of clothing and weapons. They were patrolling the Kazjd Marketplace at the time.

October 15th: The Kingdom of Sinesia refuses to sign the The East-Seas Trading Pact due to their already strained relations with the United Kingdoms of Dalatrum. Dalatrian diplomats believe Sinesia's refusals comes at the behest of a request from their ally the Sanguine Empire.

October 21st: The Braiyusalian Expedition sent to a chain of Serranthian islands that left in the summer of 1836 has officially been written off by the government. Without any word for over ninety days, it is assumed that they either made landfall and succumbed to the natives, disease or some other malady. With such high tensions with the neighboring Kingdom of Nehalania, it is also possible the expedition was captured by Nehalanians in the area.

October 29th: The Schulstein-Fulric War begins with a formal declaration of war by the Grand Kingdom of Schulstein. The Schulstein Royal Army passes the Fulric border, intending to capture the capital under the command of General Fichte. The Fulric's begin mobilizing their army, having unfortunately not realized the Schulstein's were as adamant to conquer Fulric with alleged Skeptoni support.

NOVEMBER

November 2nd: The Braiyusalian Northern Protectorate is finished. With a population of 8,200 and a military garrison of 450 soldiers, mining operations on begin in earnest. The hot tropical heat is brutal, but the gold mining promises to bring much needed wealthy to the growing Braiyusalian empire.

November 3rd: Fulric diplomats in Skeptoni request military aid against the Grand Kingdom of Schulstein, immediately.

November 19th: Two patrolling Sanguine soldiers in the Kapitan capital disappear, with no sign of them.

November 29th: The Fulric and Schulstein army's meet at the Battle of Limid. 24,000 Fulric regulars nearly hold off the incompetent Schulstein army of 61,000, but a cavalry charge routs the Fulric battle line and causes them to fall back to retreat toward the capital. Schulstein now controls 8% of eastern Fulric.

DECEMBER

December 4th: The unnamed Zellonian expedition returns to the Home Islands, half starved and deprived of more than half of its crew. They reported their landing site was beset by hostile natives, and poor weather forced them to leave only two months after landing. Though their journey was short, they announce the land was arable if it can be protected.

December 10th: The Fulrics lay a trap for a marching column of Schulstein troops as the Ambush at Falad. Well placed Fulric militia regiments successfully surprise and rout a marching column of 12,000 Schulstein troops. Over 4,000 Schulstein regulars are killed, while only 750 Fulrics die.

December 11th: The Muthandian Commonwealth signs the The East-Seas Trading Pact, becoming another partner in the ever growing pact. Their diplomats also simultaneously request for an Alliance with the United Kingdoms of Dalatrum.

December 15th: Zellonian embargo against Nehalanian trade goods begins. Embargo trade ships reached Nehalanian shores. The first Nehalanian traders leaving port are stopped by Zellonian ships then turned away. The Royal Nehalanian Navy remains away from it's home ports.

December 21st: Zellonian noble and second cousin to the Zellonian king Howard takes the Kunenian throne. Kunenia has forfeited it's autonomy to Zellon in order to be placed better under its protection, and Zello-Kunenian trade increases 25% percent.

December 22nd: Obsessed with the promise of gold, the still unnamed Braiyusalian Protectorate in the Western Sides has grown to 10,500, many of whom are Sanguine, Boletarian, Anvegadian and Kalpian settlers hoping to make it big.

December 29th: The Amazonians attack the Nehalanians at the Battle of Fort Beyond Horizon. 3,500 strong, this is the first instance in history where native forces were seen to be using modern weapons to fight. The Nehalanian garrison fought on for three days until their ammunition was expelled. The commander of the fort, Colonel Halvos, led his men in the surrender outside the fort. Halvos and the garrison, over 700 men, were cut down and killed. So brutal was the assault that several survivors of the garrison who did not surrender but fled, reported while watching from the nearby tree line that at one time the Amazonians stopped executing the Nehalanians because they blades had gone dull. They sharpened them and continue with the mass execution.

Volume II

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The following announcement was issued by the King and Cabinet today:
Owing to the accord signed between the two nations, Boletaria and Schulstein 1 year ago. Boletaria has pledged it's support to Grand King Marwick Ludwig Donitz IV of Schulstein in a proposed alliance and to reclaim land lost to the unrecognized Duchy of Fulric who have unrightfully terrorised the territory rightfully belonging to the Grand Kingdom of Schulstein for years. Honoring this treaty his Majesty's government have declared to the Fulric government that a state of war exists between the Boletarian Commonwealth and Duchy of Fulric as of January 1st.

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Boletaria Honors it's treaty with Schulstein!
As a state of war is declared, Boletarian soldiers cross the border into Fulric in order to bring the region under heel. The dangerous revolutionaries of Fulric have already engaged the mighty armies of Schulstein and have been rebuffed. Schulstein forces are sweeping through eastern Fulric as the Boletarian army marches from the north. Within the month, the glorious Boletarian Army will be heralding victory over Fulric, and once again will the land be granted to it's rightful ruler. The rebels will be quashed!

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See Page 8.

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See Page 3.

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In response, a letter of warning has been received by King Conrad of the Empire of Zellon, the King responsible for the blockade of Nehelenia (See page 7.) from King Alorik himself. In the meantime, other trade partners are being sought after by the government to fill the void of goods no longer in supply from Nehelenia. Trade ships are instead docking at Thennia and trading from Thennian ports for Nehelenian goods.

The Oslad Federation receive a Trade Pact offer from the Boletarian Commonwealth.
The United Kingdoms of Dalatrum receive a Trade Pact offer from the Boletarian Commonwealth.
The Kingdom of Vatannia receive a Trade Pact offer from the Boletarian Commonwealth.
The Sanguine Empire receive a Trade Pact offer from the Boletarian Commonwealth.
The Kingdom of Kalpia recieve a Trade Pact offer from the Boletarian Commonwealth.

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With an invitation to the a wedding from the Zellon Empire, Williams found no harm in sending someone on his behalf to this wedding. The dictator immediately wrote a letter in reply to the invitation.



With that out if the way, Williams was now content for the most part but then again he had one last order to give out to the workforce. If Sawl was going to be seen as an equal to any of the nations they would need to become more "modernized". A factory was to be built so that they could keep up with their rivals but they did not want to get involved in matters that directly influenced them, such as the tyranny in the Sanguine Empire. They were not going to get involved unless they were absolutely forced to. However, the Sawl army currently lacked discipline and that needed to be changed so a mass training of the soldiers was ordered.

The Kingdom of Anvegad

"Well. How are we going to broach these to the King?" Said the Minister of the Interior as the last courier deposited the messages and letters intended for the head of state of Anvegad. Who was away to inaugurate the opening of a new factory to start up an Anvegad railroad program and had left the trifling matters of state to his Inner Council.

"First we deal with these messages at hand. I'll handle how to broach them to the King once they are in motion. He's more concerned about railroads than foreign policy at the moment anyway." Said the Supreme Commander as he broke the seal on a letter and scanned its contents. "But we can't cover this up either. Osland is a rising star. We can't ignore it, or we’ll get hemmed in by two Great Powers at once. Ontop of all the other issues as the world continues to turn."

Nehalanian border

Chatan's trusted blood brother crosses into the foreign territory with his elite guard, passing through the various agricultural and industrial areas to their settlement. It is near dusk and only the faintest glimmer of light still remains, the party is on horse back and have a torch for every other man.

Nearing the settlement they intend to be granted entry and to begin diplomatic relations with this group. Once inside the elite guard will comply with an restrictions put upon them and the blood brother will meet with their leader.

Should things become dire, and these men proved to be deceitful and cowardly, it is planned that a flaming arrow shall be flown high in the sky. This arrow will trigger a wave of arrows running all the way back to the 10,000 strong party of Mikassian warriors that are hidden among the natives of the land, having bartered with them for acceptance and trading of information.

These men will charge as a shadowy wave of fury into the enemy.

"Should the night bring the fruit of potential, we will leave these lands." It was agreed that there was no benefit to infiltrate a group that shows promise of kinship.

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With the relevant materials and ores found and the beginning of a mining chain under way, the Mikassian army is soon to be bolstered by an abundance of steel and iron. Forges and flames burn bright on the red mountains and it is said the sound of the picks striking the stones scares away the mountain wolves in the night.

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War Chief Chatan's wife Mideri has their second child. A beautiful girl named after her late grandmother, Lukkagu. Celebrations are rife among the peoples of the Mikassian tribes, as this young girl will grow up to be a powerful sage.

Maritso Locale
Polma, Vatannia

The two old Vatannians starred at the young couple who were clearly tourist. As observed from their clothing, it was safe to assume they are of royalty. The two old Vatannians knew they were from Sanguine from their thick accents. One of the old men, with greying charcoal black hair and green eyes that sparkled in the early morning sun, couldn't help but frown whenever the couple in front of them called Vatannia by it's foreign name "Vatannis". Every time the word was spoken, the two old men felt as if they were slapped in the face. This two were part of the old Cordian nobility. They were stripped of their holdings after the revolution. Mafioso as they were popularly known, they bought new lands for themselves with what little wealth they had. Now they had to endure this.

"If that mongrel" The other gentleman started, one with blonde hair and a crocked back "say 'Vatannis' again, I will stab her with my walking stick."

The old generation had to loyalties to the new republic. They do however care about their heritage. Having their culture bastardized by foriegners was an insult they barely could ignore. The two men looked each other with the intent to lecture the foreigners when a loud yell caught their attention.

"Read it here first good sirs and ladies! Vatannia considers an alliance with the Kingdom of Kalpia!" A young boy shouted. He strode through the streets in modest clothing while holding a bundle of Polma Times newspapers.

The irritation of the seniors were replaced with curiosity. They called the boy over to where they were standing.

"Lad, what is the headlines again? I think I may have misheard that." The gentleman with the greying charcoal hair asked.

"The parliament has agreed to inspect a possible alliance with the Kingdom of Kalpia. Read it here first signor." The young boy passed two copies to the two old men. The men gave the him a cincorno, five cents for the Vatannian dollar. They were surprised to say the least.

"Well now, what do you think this is Leonardo?" The hunched senior asked his companion.

"Desperation." The one known as Leonardo responded. "We are dealing with the Caliphate now. This people will do business with the devil if it meant more money for them. Darelle, you know how this crooks in the parliament work."

His companion, Darelle, nodded. They both started walking south towards Darelle's home. Another hour of reminiscing the old days and cursing the new constitution.

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With the massive amount of migrants moving to Braiyusal’s new colony, the governor put in charge of the small protectorate has aptly named it “Aezus” a mythical land told about in early fables in the 1600s. The land came with the promise of both fame and fortune to any who made the journey. King Rolfe commented on the gold rush saying, “This is a sign of good fortune for the Braiyusalian people.”

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1. Sinesia, Braiyusal, Tangaria, Vitannia, Muthandia, Maljuk Caliphate, and Sanguine Empire shall escort their partners merchant ships and vice versa.
1.1. If said nation doesn't wish to join the pact, then the nation doesn't have to sign it.
1.2. If said nation does want to join the pact at a later date, then the nation has to get a copy of the pact and then sign their name on it.

2. All partner nations shall open their ports to the other partner nations.
2.1. If a nation wishes to still fine the other nations in the pact, then they can do so.

3. All partner nation must be able to protect the seas and trading ships for any threats face them.

~Signed by King Rolfe of House Rolant

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To the respective nations of The Maljuk Caliphate, Boletaria, and Vitannia
I, King Rolfe, bring good tidings and wealth. The people of Braiyusal are constantly seeking new and interesting trade partners, you being of the many. This trade pact will consist of the following terms:
1.Unrestricted maritime trade between both nations.
2.Protection when inside the respective nations sphere of influence both on land and at sea
~Signed King Rolfe of House Rolant

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Dear King Conrad,
It pleases me to accept your invitation to the wedding. I hope that the event is lavish, and that my age doesn’t get in the way of enjoying the festivities. I wish both Prince Ragnar and Princess Kara the best of luck with their wedding.

Sincerely,
King Rolfe of House Rolant

Captain Khurnov had looked into the four dead men. He had initially requested their paperwork, but to no avail. There were literally thousands of documents, two or five for each soldier. Errors were abound, especially after a war. Their papers could not be found.

Khurnov instead went to the source, and asked their companies. He found few similarities in the dead men.

One was a teenage peasant, who during the capture of the Kapitan capitol, had stabbed a man and raped his wife in front of him and his children. While a terrible act, what seemed most interesting to his company was how he'd skipped over the beautiful young daughters, and went straight for the older matron.

The second was a freeman, whose family owned enough land to avoid poverty. He had a wife, three children, and a dutiful brother, who now farmed the land. The soldier was thirty, and noted to be of good moral character.

The third was an old man, a bit off in the head, who despite decades in the military, had not risen above the rank of Lieutenant. This was mostly due to his inability to communicate properly with his men, as he would only speak by rambling in a mumble.

The last was an out of shape drunkard, who never spoke with his fellows.

Khurnov stopped investigating the men. If would have been one thing if they'd been marked out for their brutality. This would give him a chance to the show the people of Kapitas that the Sanguine were not monsters, that discipline and conduct mattered to them, and a condemnation could be given out to those who had wronged the local people. But only the first man had any apparent motive behind his death.

It was as he feared. These killings were acts of opportunity, borne of rage against the occupiers. There was no point to them, beyond violence.

Khurnov had so desperately wanted to find another way beyond the orders of his superiors. They had told him to make examples of those suspected of nationalist activity. Public hangings.

Only venom could come from venom. There had to be another way.

That evening, Khurnov personally went to General Bancaster's temporary residence, and lied about progress being made on an investigation into the nationalists. He'd requested more time before action was taken against them. The General relented. Immediately afterward, Khurnov made orders to have a trap set up. Three soldiers would be posted on guard in the marketplace, with a dozen men dressed in plainclothes waiting nearby, pretending to shop, and armed with pistols. The small number of guards who, Khurnov hoped, prove to be a tempting target, and the nationalists could be captured.

As desperate and risky this plan was, it seemed the best course of action. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to go through with a mass execution.



Recruiting officers travelled to villages across the empire. They proclaimed that their neighbour, the United Kingdoms of Dalatrum, was seeking to form a coalition against the Empire, and men were needed to serve. Some volunteered, but most were conscripted. Reactions from each village and town varied. Some were delighted, waving goodbye their fathers and sons with handkerchiefs. Others looked with silent glares at the recruitment officers, speaking only in grunts, if at all.

But if any time were good for recruiting, it was in winter, where men had nothing to do but wait, wanting nothing more than to be indoors. And not without some charity, the officers took every batch of new recruits to the nearest barracks, where a warm hearth and a mug of ale were provided to the men.

The losses from the invasion were not only to be replenished, but to be overcome.



The Emperor weighed many things on his mind.

Foreign affairs of the Old World's western nations did not effect the Empire directly, but there were ramifications. The Grand Kingdom of Schulstien had been attempting to reclaim Fulric for years now, and it looked as though this would become another failure.

Private talks with Boleteria through Fall had yielded mixed results, and it seemed non-hostile relations were the best that could be hoped for at the moment. Still, Skeptonia was the enemy of their ally, Sinesia. Did this make Skeptonia the Empire's enemy as well? Was there any reason to get involved.

After finishing a small dinner with those at court, he spoke once more with the resident Boleterian diplomat. An agreement for trade had been sent out via courier to the Palace, as well as with other nations. Boleterian merchants often came to purchase raw resources in Bittle, while selling off manufactured goods, such as tools, refined metal, and various sundries. This pact had few downsides, so there was no reason not to agree. He signed it, and sent a courier off to deliver it before retiring for the night. He went to sleep with the fleeting wonder of how his cousins were doing on their vacation in Vatannia.



The Boleterian Trade Pact of 1837

1) Unrestricted trade between either nation be it land or sea.
2) To provide protection for either nation's trade ships while at it's ports or within it's sphere of influence.
This forming the basis of the trade pact, nations are encouraged to extend the terms of the treaty.

[X] Emperor Damian Gregory Amoury