RELATIONS
-- Staratia/Estalia: [-4]
Both Republics, Staratia and Estalia are at odds as Staratia supported the independence of Estalian Serranthia independence in 1906, sending the rebels there rifles and supplies. Since, the Estalians have wagered a high tax on Staratian trade there through the Strait of Kalif.

-- Thecia/Estalia: [+9]
Estalia and Thecia have enjoyed trade for hundreds of years, and while Thecian monarchism reigns supreme, Estalia and Thecia possess a burgeoning trade relationship stymied only by Thecia's distance.

-- Dongaria/Estalia: [+1]
With little trade, culture and geography in common, the Kingdom of Dongaria and the Estalian Republic have no opinion of one another. Most Dongarians believe Estalians to be lazy.

-- Tyro-Antari Empire/Estalia: [+0]
Two nations whose paths have rarely crossed, the Dual Monarchy and the Coastal Republic have little to discuss, their embassies are rarely used. The former, a more land based power and the latter a more sea based power also have little to complain of one another.

-- Blutland/Estalia: [-14]
The Estalians have long harbored their Blutlandic cousins as a weaker bunch. With an inadequate navy, but a superior holding on the Continent, the Estalians often feel themselves looking inwards to a nation they see as inferior.

-- Blutland/Tyro-Antari Empire: [+4]
Based perhaps on geography, the Tyro-Antarians and Blutlands see themselves as acquaintances at a ballroom party. Neither party has reason to thumb their nose at the other, and neither party has reason to ask the other for a dance.

-- Madeira/Estalia: [+16]
Long time friends, Madeiran and Estalian relations are some of the best they have been since the early 1800's. The Madeirans and Estalians are culturally similar, in that Madeirans speak the Estalian language, albeit with a very unique dialect.

Zellonia/Sessau: [-22]
In the early 1800's the Zello-Sessauan Wars were some of the most fierce of the continent. They ended with the Zellonians eventually conquering and fragmenting the large Sessauan Empire, which later became the Kingdom of Sessau.

Zellonia/Estalia: [-15]
Although friendly originally, Zellonian's recent decision to begin expanding militarily has soured Zello-Estalian relations, as Zellonia and Estalia may have divergent intentions over the Kizurgas Islands in the Inner Sea.

Zellonia/Dongaria: [-10]

March, 1910


The Continent, so often called, was the epicenter of the world. Not a radical idea to be certain, but a poignant one nonetheless. While the Faresian nations weathered under the babying steps of industrialism at the hands of Continental masters and Serranthian--connected by a land bridge--workers fared no better, the Continent remained the industrial, political and economic heartland of the entire world. The Continent was seeing a renewed economic prosperity not seen since the late 1830's. In short, life was good.

The Winter of 1909 ended abruptly in February, casting aside heavy snows for early mornings that were chilly at worst. In the east, Estalian trade through the Strait intensified and the Inner Sea was abound with fruitful fishermen, Blutlandic tourist cruises and Thecian beach goers.



March 7th, 1910
Saurilian diplomat Librus Konrad dies at 71. He was famous for negotiating trade treaties with the Blacovicz Republic and Swaeda. He is given a state sponsored ceremony in the capital, though given the soggy weather, few attend.

March 12th, 1910
The Foulois Accord begins, with the nations of Zellonia, Estalia, Tyro-Antari Empire and Blutland all attend. The topic is to discuss the future of the ownership of the Koringas Islands, off the Southern coast of Blutland.

These three islands, ethnically Estalian (31,953 citizens living there and 29,524 reported as Estalian citizens), are currently owned by the Tyro-Antarian Empire, garrisoned by the 994th Artillery Brigade (2,800 men with 14 guns) after they revolted in 1908 and Estalia hesitated in dispatching soldiers to put the revolt down.

The Accord has been called by Estalia in hopes of seeing their islands returned to them. The Accord will last a single month, taking place in the city of Korica, in neighboring Thecia. Blutland and Zellonia, though it's unlikely either nation will ultimately take ownership, have something to gain here by swaying the geopolitical situation in within the Inner Sea.

[ATTENDING NATIONS Must send 5 Delegates with their names and await PMs for further details].

March 17th, 1910
The Estalian luxury liner Blanco, which disappeared last week, is found to have sunk while returning to port. The Blanco, the second largest luxury liner in the world behind the Saurilian Marillo, makes national headlines. [-1 Estalian Stability]

---

[All Nations may now post IC. Attaching their Yearly Budgets to the bottom.]
[1 Post per Year/Turn is required. No more.]

“So gentlemen who shall we send to represent our great nation?” Neil Trellis Roberts said to his fellow family members and loyalists.
“Well out of respect we must send someone from the other two families and of course one of our own and two diplomats who are trained for this would do well. Though I don’t see why we were invited, though this does give us leverage. We must remind those that go we need an easier way to transport our goods.” Yelif Roberts who was the father of Niel, he was an older man in his late 60s with a large bushy beard.
The men around the table nodded, all showing their respect to the head of the house and head of the family. Neil smiled though as his father aged he was unsure of what would happen when he passed if neil would take over or blood would be shed but that thought was for another time.
“Well then I propose we send my brother Julius Robets. James Conrad and Nero Primus. From the families. As for our diplomats I know Gregory Hults is well received by the international community being our main trade diplomat and I believe his assistant a Mr. Verington who is his supposed protege.”
Julius smiled “ I’m fine with this I’ve always wanted to see thecia.”
The other men around the room slowly agreed after seeing Yelif nod.
“Then it is decided, now if you’ll excuse me I must meet with my cabinet and begin getting to work.” As Neil left the other men stayed to talk amongst themselves no doubt upset none of them held as much power or sway as those in the Primus family does.


“Mr.Conrad, while our navy is always our most prized possession we must be ready to defend ourselves, and thus I propose the immediate recruitment of at least 20,000 men with the weapons to match.” Turner Fren said to the other members of the cabinet he was one of his family’s men and thus was made a prominent position aside from also being the overseeing manager of the Robert’s Reloaders arms factory.

“Mr. Fren if we must recruit a larger military, than our navy could always use an increase specifically in our submarine department in which we lack the necessary measurements to match with any other naval power in and I must inform you these sea demons will be weapons of the future allowing the disruption of trade when at war but in order to combat them we’ll need our own.” James Conrad the current head of house of House conrad while he maybe young at the ripe age of 31 his father and elder brother mysteriously died and left it to him. He was grant a position due to contribution to the naval yards as well respect.

“While Mr.Conrad and Mr.Fren are both true in what they say, I believe we have enough in our budget to factor them in however, I believe we’ll want to increase our inner road connections to allow our inner cities better export their goods to the docks and thus allow more money to flow in and so called useless good to flow out” Bernard Young an elderly man but well trusted by Franklin Primus and was the head of treasury for the last two Autraz’s and out of respect one again.

As Neil finally stood up forcing the others to be silent “ Well gentlemen if Mr.Young believes there is enough in the budget for them both then they shall be made.” He then turned to Mr.Young “I also agree, all of us are members of the merchant class and this country was built on trade. It’s only right that we allowed our own cities the ability to travel easy as easy as we travel to other countries. Now, I believe this ends our meeting.” Neil then stood up as the others began to collect their things. “Mr. Conrad if you wouldn’t mind come to my office so we may speak.



Neil pulled out a cigar from his desk as Mr.Conrad entered, “You wanted to see me?” James asked in his polite manner that he played so well. The man was young with slicked back golden hair and light blue eyes with a small twitch in them. Men say it’s cause he can picture what he’s going to do to the person in front of them before it happens but the man had a temper. “Yes, I wanted to let you know you’ll be part of the delegation sent to the Foulois Accords, along with my brother, Nero and Gregory and his protege as your diplomats. While you’ll be the technical head of the delegation I do hope you listen to my younger brother. After all our family does control.” James nodded slowly his eye twitching all the same “Of course, though in my absence who will oversee the navy?” Ah yes another reason niel had wanted him gone so the conrads would be without leadership and he’d have a working complacent navy at least for a time. “ Well I would appoint someone to be acting naval overseer in your absence I was thinking Curlington Haz.” Yes Haz….he was a loyal man and well known or rather feared. James nodded “I suppose, though I believe upon my return that the office of deputies be created for all departments as such, should the head they have someone they know and trust takeover rather than some outsider who’d have to be briefed.” Niel took a long time on his cigar before replying “Yes...I shall look into that, now I believe that’ll be all.” James slowly stood up and smiled before he began leaving out. At least he’d be out his hair for awhile and hell maybe the conrads would be very nice while he was away. Without a boss there is no family. Niel chuckled before he turned to look at the city.



(Will add in when relations are made)

"As many of you may know, we have held the funeral for the now late Librus Konrad. He was one of our finest diplomats in recent history," Queen Maine Saurilia announced to her cabinet of advisors while a few reporters took notes in the background. The Queen cleared her throat before continuing on with her statement, "Now it is time for his replacement as our official representative for the empire, a Mr. Zackery Hasselhoff, shall be that new representative. It makes me proud to say that as well and I shall let him takeover,"

The queen slowly gets up from her seat and exits the room only to be replaced by the aforementioned man who seemed well groomed for the event with his slightly grayed, mostly black hair slicked back, no beard seemed to be on this man and he held a very wide smile. Unfortuneately, the young queen had to take her leave before the man could begin his little speech.



Days later, the Queen would be plagued by her officers sending her requests for my rifles in order to fully supply the army with the well needed rifles. She sent many responses that would say she would allocate them the money if they would just order from the Lithuanian Arms themselves, which was a bad idea as some of the officers were a bit incompetent with the spending operation that many overspent which the Queen had to explain to the Arms company that they only needed a certain amount which didn't go over well with the company as they would lose some of that well needed profit if they complied with the Queen. So, after several days of arguing and the likes, an agreement would be made which would detail that the company would comply with Queen's amount only for the original amount of money that the officers had spent. Needless to say after that, some officers had to get yelled at or even fired, so goes the circle of military life. The Queen was not impressed with how some of her officers had handled thing, but she could always rely on her r to find potential pilots for the new aviation department. While they had a small amount of plans, they would need pilots to fly them efficiently so recruiters gathered as many pilots as they needed and began to put them through the basic training. This pleased the queen to know that there was some competence within the military.

On the other hand, the navy simply requested that they get a new ship to accommodate the fleet, but the shipping company would not do it unless the government promised to fund the construction of a new dry-dock for them. Tired of annoyances, the Queen agreed and sent some money to fund the dry-dock so that Throng's would construct a cruiser for the navy. Finally, the queen could get some momentary peace while the military sorted itself out with what she had done.

March, 1910



March 20th, 1910

ZELLONIA PREPARES FOR WAR?

"While the world turns, a great many eyes have turned to the Velvet Isles and the House of Conrad. News has reached the Motharkin embassy there that Zellonia has passed a national conscription act, manifesting legislation that will see their armed forces increase by two hundred thousand in the next eighteen months. For many, this has turned a great many hands--but Sessau may know the truth. Zellonia is choked by incompetence and may seek a reprisal to force the issue at the Foulois Accords.

- Headline article from Sessau's Le Jour newspaper.

---

RELATIONS
Zellonia/Sessau: [-22]

Zellonia/Estalia: [-15]

Zellonia/Dongaria: [-10]

Rural , Not heavily developed and mostly very big , the republic of Staratia has seen many years of peace since it's conception but also of distrust and betrayal within it's own borders , even with the advancement in a more political stability in the country there are still many problems to be solved such as the situation with Estalia that makes trade in that zone more difficult , along with the rising tensions in the eastern parts of the continent , Staratia has found itself with the need to mobilize an even bigger army at the expense of it's people , taking down long term plans of industrialization and infrastructure projects . However , with the new party in Staratia arrival to power , many analysts predict that Staratia will go through a more peaceful and self-development route for the next years , retaking industrialization plans and internal development.

But for that to happen the military , that holds significant influence in politics have decided lobby for military support too , with the incorporation of new armament factories and more military production. Taking a part of the budget for their own plans.

But this it not all a recent economy boom in Staratia has made a new company rise to prominence in Staratia taking the luxury goods market mostly for themselves , the new company in question Junker , with some from the goverment was able to expand greatly their bussiness from a small conglomerate in one of the major cities of Staratia to a national conglomerate.

In other news a massive infrastructure project is going on costing the nation over $5,000,000,000 , that will help restore and build new infrastructure over the nation , the expected maintenance of the roads will also be high and quite costly for the government but this investment has been done both by private and national entities that expect to get profit in case of the private and a greater good in case of the national entities.

In an effort to standardize the national weaponry , the military minister has sent a request to multiple companies to present designs on fast fire artillery cannons from 75mm to 105mm and rifle designs that can be easily mass produced. The cost of this military project is about $2 Billion , $1 Billion for each company selected to the job. The rest of the military budget has gone to R&D.

Lastly , the automobile industry just starts under the lead of the company Tastra , one of the pioneers in cars and combustion engines.

---

---

After a tumultuous few days, Estalian Navy vessels have finally found the wreck of the Blanco. Current reports states that unpredictable weather and rough, choppy seas with many rocks just under the surface of the waters created a hazardous environment for a ship of that size to be traveling as it seems that the Blanco found itself running too close to a group of rocks, causing a massive gash along its hull that brought it to its unfortunate end.

Such news is of little reprieve for the families and friends of the passengers of the luxury cruise liner who are demanding compensation and additional safety measures for ships. The CEO of the company who owned the Blanco as well is the owner of the shipyard where it was built have stated that they are making every action necessary to resolve the issue and ensure that nothing such as this will ever happen again.


Having recently called a meeting with the Tyro-Antarian Empire, the fate of the Kongiras Island is up in the air. Several hardline nationalist factions and figures have called for the complete ownership of the island and to "expel the imperialists", one such figure is quoted as saying, "Almost all of those who live on the Kongiras Islands are Estalia! They have our proud blood running through their veins and see themselves as part of out great nation!"

Despite the patriotic sentiment amongst some, Prime Minister Sabino Vecaplia de Ambarosa along with an overwhelming amount of Senators have opted to send Diego Sannato along with four others to represent themselves Estalia in the meetings. The other four include propionate figures such as the former Judge Adrian de Huevos, Senator Thiago Montona, Senator Emilio Trabizon and CEO Maximilo Corvesis. Sannato state that "we are hoping to reach an agreement where by both sides receive what they want without insult to the other." As of right now, the current agreement being spoken in the senate is that the Tyro-Antarian Empire will receive a small patch of land on the island for their own usage with Estalia claiming the rest as long as no harm is done to the Estalians on the island by the hand of the Tyro-Antarian Empire.


Following the reported success of the Valdera LN1910 scout plane, the military high command of the Estalian Republican Army (ERA) has state that "man has finally conqured the sky, those who do not realize its potential shall be dwarved in the face of new gods who ride up planes." As such, there has been a steady growth in the number of aircraft being produced a new class of pilots already being trained to crew these new plans in production.


Officially signing the 1910 Act of Economic Industrial Growth and Development, the Prime Minster and the senate have begun a very ambitious program of expanding the industrial might of Estalia. Several billion dollars are being put into factory construction, industrial research as well as better infrastructure to assist the growing nation.


Word has it that the Inquisition is on the move once again. once the feared agents of kings and bishops is now the weapon of the senate and Estalia behind closed doors. The eye that sleepeth not has had an eternal vigilance over the nation's interests since its inception with closely guarded information on agents and networks. Interestingly enough, the Inquisition is not the official name of the intelligence department of Estalia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as no one knows the true name of it with the word Inquisition simply being used as a common saying of it. Some say their power is far and great and wields great and terrible power, others say that they are just a myth used to scare people. Regardless, the number of suspicious deaths of people who have actively and venomously spoken out against the state or wishes it harm decreases with astonishing levels beyond the arm of the law for as legend has it, to the Inquisition, innocence proves nothing. Such news comes at the hands of a great amount of money being put into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with little explanation.

Foulois Accord

As the congregation stood before the great Saurilian oak doors of the Imperial Palace of Wreslou, the wind tugged at five greatcoats of the assembled diplomats and at the thirteen tails of ceremonial military uniforms. That of the monarchs adorned in ornamental gold braids and a green sash crossing from the shoulder to a fine leather belt at the waist.

"You are soldiers." The Emperor called to the five before him as the wayward winds whipped. Behind the monarch stood twelve honour guard, all in ceremonial dress with rifles braced against their chests and a saber at their sides. Their faces were that of silent sentinels, as emotionless as golems.

"You are soldiers of a different caliber, a barbed wit and skilled word-craft are your weapons on the battlefield, for that is what it is. We are still fighting a war, make no mistake, this Accord called by the Estalians is war. It may not be fought with blades and rifles, but their goal is all the same. The unlawful acquisition of land from our great state, our nation unified in arms." The Emperor King, Adalar of the House Wolfram spoke as he looked over each of the five diplomats, before moving to shake the hand of each. The first belonged to that of Alfred von Kohlberg, a Tyrian noble drawn from the Imperial Diplomatic Corps whom sported a great bushy moustache with it's extended, upturned points, the creation of a skilled barber and a can of wax. The second, that of one, Wilhelm Bott. A fellow Tyrian with a skill for debate and argument. The man was a boisterous voice within the Diplomatic Corps certainly, now he would be boisterous abroad. The third belonged to that of an Antarian, Edward Rusin, a rather aged man with graying hairs though a proven and weathered diplomat. It was said he remained in the Corps only by sheer will. Fourthly there was Viktor von Feig, a Tyrian noble and family friend of the Wolfsrams, a friendship which no doubt had earned him this position. Lastly stood another Antarian, one, Dominik Antol. The very diplomat the Antarian Pariliament had fought tooth and nail to ajoin the diplomatic party headed for Thecia. Little was known of the man not of noble blood, but the Emperor had conceded.

"Go forth my champions, instill the fear of god in our foes who would share your table. Ensure that not a single remark goes unchallenged, that no retort goes without a murmur. Show them that within the Empire lies a beating heart, a lions roar!" The Emperor shouted, the vast and varied medals of national and foreign prestige adorning his chest clinking as the troupe of diplomats made their way towards the automobile waiting for them on the gravel ground. Thecia and the Foulois Accord awaited them.

---

After the recent actions of the Tyro-Antari government against the Estalians on the small chain of Islands known as the Koringas Islands, discussion over who should own the predominantly Estalian Islands was brought into question. With an invitation to the Foulois Accords King Arnold Von Titanus called a meeting with a group of foreign advisors on the position that they should take.

Thirty six of the fifty possible advisors made way into the council room, it was not entirely uncommon for members to be missing. “Greetings gentlemen, I have called this meeting to discuss our current position in the Foulois Accord. Two of our rivals have been interlocked into a conflict over the Koringas and thus are seeking a diplomatic solution to the issue. Seeking neither of our potential enemies getting too strong the in the region I am seeking potential solutions to the problem at hand.”

An older gentleman and former General in the Blutlander Army during the war of Seven Kings spoke up “My lord, with the utmost respect I would rather die than see the damned Tyrians gain a single ounce of territory after so long oppressing our peoples. I say let the Estalians be ruled by Estalians like so many Blutlanders asked for nearly ten years ago.” Many shouted in agreement. The vulgar insults towards the Tyrians muffled by the shouts of support for the idea.

Somewhat controversially another man spoke up, a noble from the north from what was once known as the Duchy of Feuer, named Nikolaus Berkel, a former general for the Tyro-Antari who gained recognition for having his men turn on Duke Christoph III during the battle of Schwarz Bridge, thus earning a place as a high ranking noblemen within the Blutlander court once the war was over. “While I feel sympathy for the Estalians, they themselves do not hold Blutland in high recognition either, should we really be so quick to concede the entire Island to them? I say we split it between our two foes possibly turning them on eachother rather than ourselves.” Nods of recognition to the idea was given, however many advisors were displeased with the idea.

“So we let the Tyro-Antarians simply waltz into whatever land they please and claim it as their own? At this rate we might as well cede the entire kingdom of them as well. Not a single inch. That is what we were told during the war. Do you understand the meaning of those words Mr.Berkel? It means we don’t let give a damn inch of land to the Tyrians even if it means every last one of us lay dead on the ground. I refuse to accept giving them anything.” Victor Von Klienelseut shouted, cousin of the former king of Klienelseut, Duke Eduard II, he fought alongside his men on the battlefield as an enlisted infantryman. Not only did it help boost morale, but the prestige of his family house as well.

King Arnold Von Titanus, had given thorough thought on both sides of the argument presented. “While I do not like the rather distasteful attitude towards our nation by our cousins in the east I do feel that it would only be hippocritical of our people to turn our backs on the voice of the Estalians living in the Koringas Islands. Thus I shall propose that we send our diplomates with the intention of supporting the Estalians and whatever solution they bring. We do not want to sound too aggressive if the Estalians themselves do not wish to take the Island under their banner, but if they so chose then we shall support them in every way possible.”

Some grumbles could be heard in the council chamber, however many left with stern nods of approval. The king himself was still not entirely sure if this was the correct course of action, however he felt that it stood as a testament of his people's faith in their right to exist as a single unified people and their ambitions to fully liberate those still under Tyro-Antari rule and refer to themselves as citizens of Blutland.

Several hours after the council meeting was held, King Arnold von Titanus had selected five diplomats to travel to the Foulois Accord in his name under the conditions of working with the Estalians. The first diplomat was Klaus Ritschel, a rather young gentlemen at the age of twenty nine he had served in the 10th Blutlander Artillery Regiment during the war and had made a name for himself in politics working as a foreign diplomat and helping establish ties with foreign nations when Blutland officially announced its unionification. Wolf Schau was an easy second choice, easily the most experienced of the five he had severed as a diplomatic envoy for the Duchy of Vergesen to the Kingdom of Siedort when asking for assistance against the Tyrians, though he holds no anger towards them directly. Next was Roman Hettinger, a gentlemen raised by a small yet wealthy family in what was once known as the Kingdom of Klieneleut he sported a rather extravagant uniform and top hat, a man whose style matched his way with words. Peter Fleischmann was selected due to his close friendship with King Arnold von Titanus’ cousin Woldemar von Mummert, not truly being that outstanding in the world of politics but he certainly knew people in high places. Lastly was Hinrich Schantz, a rather old gentleman who once served as an advisor for King Arnold von Titanus before the unification of Blutland, he had thus began his service as a diplomat shortly after the war.




After the war of seven kings the Blutland navy was lackluster to say the least, consisting mostly of out of date ironclads, commerce raiders, and other out of date technology, reconstruction of the once grand coalition fleet has begun. After years of budget delays due to rebuilding the war torn north, the king has decided the time has begun to focus on the country's military needs as well. One of the first ships of many to be built include the Blutlandia, a top of the line dreadnought expected to be the first of many ships to help protect anything from Blutland’s coasts to its overseas interests.

The planned construction of the Blutlandia had begun sometime last year, and is expected to be fully operational by the summer of 1910 alongside a single light cruiser, the Totermaan, and four destroyers, the Kleinerjunge, the Liebesmaschine, the Grobershlag, and the Herzog. Mike Schulz, future captain of the Blutlandia was quoted saying “The construction of the Blutlandia is the first step towards establishing Blutland as a world power.”

Mike Spitzer of the Spitzer and Franz Shipping has also stated “Me and Stephan couldn’t be happier working with our king to construct a fleet comparable to our cousins to the East. My son fought and died fighting for the freedom of Blutland and I feel as though this is also my way of honoring him.” Our reporters were unfortunately unable to interview Stephan Franz on his opinion of the move, however reports say that he couldn’t be happier with the current contract set up between their company and Blutland.



On March 16th 14:00 Centran Standard, a man named Laurenz Katzen was arrested after holding a group of nearly forty people hostage at a train station and killing three security guards on duty. The man claimed to be the voice of the revolution and that the day marked the end of “corrupt and capitalistic society”. After an hour of demanding the people join him in revolution and calling for the death of King Arnold von Titanus police stormed the building.

Unfortunately during the ensuing firefight the man had killed nearly ten hostages before finally being captured. The next day on March 17th 8:00 marked the time when Katzen was hauled out of his small prison. According to eyewitness reports he was severely bruised and missing an eye, shortly before being blindfold, put up against a wall, and executed on the spot.

Some have argued that he should have been given a trial as a citizen of Blutland, and that the execution was a violation of his rights, however Captain Niko Wittgenstein, the police captain in charge of his execution, stated “According to Blutlandic law an enemy of the state is to be executed without trial or jury. The man called for the head of our King and those who serve him, he couldn’t have fit the bill better.” This did not stop the ensuing protest of nearly twenty people, however police were able to control the situation and disperse the crowd.




After recent debate over increasing the already substantial garrison of men in the Serranthian colony, King Arnold von Titanus has issued a command to almost double its size. An increase from the rather substantial 50,000 men to nearly 100,000 men stationed within the colony. He claimed that the territory was “simply too large to have such a meager force defending it, and with Estalians, Zellonians, and Tyro-Antarians breathing down our back looking for a slice of the pie we can not trust to keep such a small force there.”

Some have argued that this is a rather aggressive act by the nation to establish its control over the native populations of Serranthia, however King Arnold von Titanus did not make a comment in regards to the issue.

March, 1910
Created under the guise of a civilian automobile firm, one of Staratia's first, the Tastra Company designs it's first model, the Tastra TA-1 in Southeastern Staratia to critical acclaim. While the show is witnessed by viewers with hesitation, the real show began later in the day--where Tastra engineers revealed the Tastra MA-1, a version with welded steel plates and a single machine gun afforded on the roof, movable with a single hand crank. This test version performed admirably, with the Tastra ZhR engine, which put out only 12 horsepower, barely able to keep the armored version moving faster than six miles per hour. If desired, it can begin production immediately.



March 22nd
The Foulois Accords begin in earnest. First to speak is the KINGDOM OF BLUTLAND.



EXAMPLE PLAY: ESTALIA: Plays JUDGE ADRIAN DE HUEVOS on ISSUE: Ownership. Advances it from +2 BLUTLAND to +2 ESTALIA. [+2 in Opponent Territory]

March 25th
While training, 2 pilots are killed in their Valdera LN1910 planes.



March 26th
A fire during a barn-dance in Titum, Blutland kills 312 people. The ballroom was decorated with pine branches and lanterns, and one of the branches caught fire.

March 27th
Estalian pioneer Lamier Cortez takes his Cortez-1 out to sea and completes a nine minute long flight. It is the first seaplane in existence. A crowd of forty watches on.



March 28th
The King of Sessau, King Harnou d'Amiens, age 84 dies peacefully in his bed. His son, Prince Clement d'Amiens is formally granted all privileges of kingship in the country. March 28th is declared a national day of mourning and the Sessauan flag is set to half mast.

March 29th
In a dispute over wage demands, 300,000 bituminous coal miners walk out on strike in Gustavia, Staratia. They demand an increase in pay by the Ilyiach Company or refuse to go back to work. Later in the day, protesters and their families appear in the Gustavia City Square.



March 30th
The Tyro-Antarian Empire sends out a request for a design on a new light cruiser. With only a single prominent shipping country capable of taking on the task, they receive word only from the Heidrich Shipways and Shipyards. The requested design was considerably well funded, and Heidrich designers allotted their design. The Tyro-Antarian Naval Bureau would need to Accept the design or Continue Funding.



March 31st
The five infantry divisions of the Blutlandic Sixth Army arrive at Kahala in Blutlandic Serranthia. Expecting coastal fortresses, nice cots and hot meals--they find a flea ridden colony held together by sheer will. There are barely enough quarters to house and feed them.

The locales similarly are not happy at the arrival of fifty thousand more men with guns under a Blutlandic flag.

---

The meeting room was well decorated for the rather dire tone between all parties involved. Had this been twenty years ago war between the two giants would have broken down and likely thousands would have died, but it was a sign of change. Diplomacy was the first option and for some the only option when it comes to relatively minor disputes. Neither nation felt the need to enforce their claim on the Island, not without the right justification.

Minor greetings between all parties were given, even the Tyrians managed to swallow their pride and greet the Blutlandic Diplomats. After introductions each party then explained the situation as if anyone had arrived ill prepared for the entire reason they had come in the first place. Seizing the opportunity Roman Hettinger began to speak, well dressed as ever he wore a fine suit and a clean top hat. “After the recent invasion of the Tyro-Antari troops on the Islands trade has been severely dampened. We wish to see this issue reimbursed fully whether the Tyrians continue to lay claim to the territory or the Estalians take what we believe to be rightfully theirs.” He paused for a second to assess the room, “I can however understand if the Tyrians wish to continue to impede the rights of another sovereign nation as they do to so many others.”




After a recently fire killing nearly 312 people in Titum, Blutland many are left homeless and mourning. A ceremony on March 28th, 2 days after the incident, was held and attended by King Arnold von Titanus and Duke Eduard II. “It is a great tragedy what has happened within our lands. A ball of passion and love, resulting in ultimate despair. When I was king of these lands we took great pride in the unity we shared. The unity I have come to share. It warms my heart knowing that our new King is so willing to do the same.” Duke Eduard II was quoted to have said, before introducing the King to the podium.

“Thank you, Duke Eduard. I have traveled a great distance to come mourn the loss of 312 men, women, and children whom lost their lives. Lives lost at to young of an age, taken away cruelly and without mercy, no without purpose. I understand the anger felt towards the lost we have today both sudden and cruel as fate may be.

However, we must remember one thing. One truth to the words that I speak. We are Blutlanders. United together now, more than ever. Remember the lives they got live, one of a strong peoples. One of the strongest of peoples. We face many hardships, many losses, and yet they endured. So I ask that you try and do the same. It will never get easy, but pride yourself in the strength to survive loss.”

FOULOIS ACCORDS (Update)
-- Trade Rights: [Blutland +4]
-- Claimant One: [0]
-- Claimant Two: [0]
-- Ownership: [0]
-- Basing Rights: [0]

Any Player Can Debate [Roman Hettinger]'s discussion on Trade Rights by Posting IC and using one of their cards as to Argue. [PM the Moderator if you wish to Argue].
or
Tyro-Antari Empire's Turn

The response from the government to the protesters was carefully made as none wanted to lose votes in the next election in 1916 , an election that took long because of the massive population of Staratia and something that was sacred to all Staratians as well , and the many parties in the nation had to look for every vote as the population is certainly divided on many ideologies some going for socialism , some others to nationalism and so on . At the beginning of the debate to see what to do about the protesters , the socialist party made some remarkable speech about the rights of the workers and the need to increase their rights in the nation , the nationalist said that they should be incremented in wage but not given more rights , the liberals sided with the socialist on this one and the conservative also agreed with the nationalist , but the most radical party one that was ultranationalist said that they should simply put they down by the police and returned to the their workplace in order no not disturb the economy.

All of these opinions were given in the course of a week , until a final vote was called and each member of the congress was called to vote on a solution for the protests , the tension between parties was obvious and everyone wanted to win and winning here means winning more votes outside as the press was allowed during the debates along with some leaders of the syndicates being able to speak in front of the entire congress.

At the end the socialist and liberalist won the issue and gave an speech in front of the miners in Gustavia, Staratia , they promised them rights and higher wages , the laws they wanted to implement would cost the government $1 Billion in order to affect all the nation and not only miners there , the laws would come into function next year along with higher wages and all of this had to be coordinated with the respective companies in order to not cause a economic problem in the long run.

However , this was not all , the socialist had promised , to the rest of the parties , to not press any issue and calm the waves of workers in the near future and they did as they were told to , for the sake of more achieving their political goals in the future and not causing too much pression in the government.

Foulois Accord

Following the Blutlandic delegate and his impassioned speech regarding the loss of trade following 2 years of occupation of the Koringas Islands, three isles which he doubted the man had ever heard of before this accord, went the honour of standing and speaking to the Tyrian diplomat, one Alfred von Kohlberg. With a stroke of his fine mustache, tended to this very morning by his own personal barber, the Tyrian noble slowly regarded the congregation. A congregation it had taken the Estalians two years to call he noted with slight mirth.

"A fine speech herr Hettinger." The Tyrian spoke as he turned to regard the Blutlander. "Complete with all the nuance and narration I'd expect from one of your newspapers in their sentiment against the good Empire... If we was here today to talk of oppression and impediment, I would dine to bring up the forced assimilation campaign embarked upon by one's government, that of 'Blutlandification' upon the people of seven nation states by the few. But alas we are not, so let us talk of these three isles. These three isles which are, and remain of strategic importance to the Empire. However, we also see that for our aims to be met in this accord, we do not require the ownership of the Koringas but basing rights for the Imperial Fleets. It is a nations right to ensure the protection of a strait which it itself relies upon in maritime trade and influence at sea."

~*~

"Where are my soldier's rifles!?"

A cause for great concern has rippled throughout the military and governance of the Empire this season as a training mobilization was called in coincident timing of the Foulois Accord. The states vast standing army, a cause for great prestige within the Empire matched in size only by the extensive Republic of Staratia, made for a fine sight as hundreds of men reported to barracks and frontier posts across the dual monarchy. After concluding reports to the Imperial Cabinet however, and to the shock of many it was found that less than half of the assembled men could be armed with rifles as foreign military attaches looked on.

A dark day for the Empire to which the Emperor was reported to have questioned "Where are my soldier's rifles!?" in anger as several prominent military figures have taken to calling the discovery a "national disgrace" while others look to blaming foreign subterfuge or the inherent bureaucracy of the Empire. Whatever maybe the case, the armaments are simply not there.

APRIL, 1910
April 1st
The Estalian Army requests that a dedicated branch of aviation be mandated to allot the development of military aviation. Several top naval aides however request the opposite, and a third set, mostly independent theorists with some army commanders believe military aviation should be an element all its own.



April 2nd
The Foulois Accord continues, with Tyro-Antarian and Blutlandic delegates having made their speeches. The mood on the island is festive, and Tyro-Antarians live alongside the Estalian majority without fuss. The Kurzingas Islands possess a single wet dock capable of holding two capital ships and a harbor capable of holding a dozen screening vessels.

April 3rd
Oscar Miklos is elected President of the Kavonian Republic by an electoral college, defeating former President Janus Karlun by a margin of 832–36. Miklos is a former army general, though promises to be a free and fair minded president.

April 4th
Carlsburg Affair: A military court of inquiry begins over the convictions of 167 members of the Carlsburg 4th Regiment, on charges of complicity of the 1908 massacre of eighteen Jouran men outside Carlsburg on the Tyro-Jouran border. The commander alleged the men were found in Tyro-Antarian lands, stealing cattle and robbing homes. When confronted, they fled and select members of the 4th Regiment followed them across the border.. The incident, which was not properly reported draws attention from a Jouran Board of Inquiry in the Doucal Army, who believe the men of the 4th Regiment crossed the border for alternative reasons.



April 5th
Farmers and grazers of the Muyyad Caliphate, a subject of the Seljuk Empire, begin revolting. They number only three hundred and assemble in the the capital of Muyyad, Kazal. The Seljuk garrison there is only 81 men. These men, among them even adolescent boys, riot over the intense "fulfillment quotes" enacted on them by the Seljuk administration.

April 6th
In the Serranthian city of Hakar in Blutlandic Serranthia, fourteen Blutlandic soldiers are found dead in the early hours of the morning. The soldiers who discover them are led by Captain Alfred Storch. The city of Hakar is Serranthia's largest port in the Blutlandic colony, home to nearly 170,000 people and manned by two divisions. It is properly called the Hakar Killings in the local, Blutlandic newspaper.

April 7th
News reaches Blutland of the Hakar Killings, even the monarchy--of which becomes a major dinner room talking point.

April 8th
General of the Serranthian bound army Mathias Kieffer, numbering 100,000 strong, sends the following message to Blutlandic Chief of Army Wolfram Ducke. It would come to be known as the Kieffer Telegram.

Chief of Army Wolfram Ducke,

There is a certain muck within the air. The scorpions are as big as a man's fist, the mosquitoes are fearless. Since this terrible Hakar affair, the native Serranthians have grown restless. These men fear for their lives, and it is not without error. Furthermore, the infrastructure here is elementary at best. Only by ship from the mainland are the men kept entirely from starving. They sleep twenty to a room, not including the foul louse that has colonized their uniform.

Little can be said of the locals, who begin to resist our commands of peacefulness in the settlements. They wander and chatter and spy and pry but even at gunpoint they have grown accustomed to defiance and disobedience.

General Mathias Kieffer, Blutlandic 4th Army, Serranthia

April 9th
Two engineers, Hollum and Keffler of Vermögen gräbt in the Kingdom of Blutland finish the design of the Hollum-Keffler Petrol, a four cylinder engine capable of generating 28 horsepower.

---

FOULOIS ACCORDS (Update)
-- Trade Rights: [Blutland +4]
-- Claimant One: [0]
-- Claimant Two: [0]
-- Ownership: [0]
-- Basing Rights: [Tyro-Antari +3]

Any Player Can Debate [Alfred von Kohlberg]'s discussion on Basing Rights by Posting IC and using one of their cards as to Argue. [PM the Moderator if you wish to Argue].
or
Republic of Zellonia's Turn

The people of the of the Imperial colony were almost up in arms with what the local garrison commander had done, threating rebellion unless something were to be done about this poor excuse of man who was the alleged felon in the eyes of the people. No doubt, this caught the eyes of the Queen who had, in large, neglecting the state of the colony which seemed to almost defy her rule in some strange sentence about the garrison commander. What had supposedly happened was that the Commander, Sir Isaac Hoossland, had put the colony under martial law for he feared that there was a plot to kill him. The trail become more vague as the colonial guard, of a measly 1,000 standing men, reported no such thing being ordered and that the people were forming lies in order to rally support for their own independence cause. Queen Saurilia did not truly know what was going on within that colony, wanting to trust both sides but knowing she could not.

Three Days later, Queen Saurilia had come to the conclusion that there were traitors among the midst of the citizens at the colony of New Sauril, that simply would not do in her eyes. Another day later, a speech was released regarding the situation of the colony, "The situation of New Sauril has grown dire in the eyes of the Queen, those who wish to fracture the Empire have infiltrated the colony and spread discord. I will not idly sit by and let this happen. New Sauril will be put under martial law until we can be sure that there are no traitors within our midst, likewise, a new garrison commander will be put in charge of leading this martial law. Similarly, a new governor will be put in charge and it shall be the people of the colony to decide. The Empire must be preserved at all costs and every citizen is expected to do his or her part, whether in colony or on the homeland. I bid thee all good tiding for the year.

It took many weeks of reorganization for the standing forces at the colony to get a full grasp over the citizens, though it was eventually done and that portion of the issue was solved. Meanwhile, the citizens were electing their own politicians to become their governor, most of the candidates so happening to be native born to the colony. The elections are not expected to be truly held until later within the year or even next year as the government tried to figure the whole situation out.

April 10th
The Zellonian delegation at the Foulois Accord does not--for whatever reason--appear at the conference. After some brief delegation, the conference convenes for the day, and Estalia's delegate may speak next.

April 11th
The Jouran economist and military theorist Henri Soucal publishes his work What War Takes, an intricate assessment of the Six Great Powers as well as a hypothetical question of how much each nation could bring to bear if they recruited every eighteen year old male in their nation. As an additive, Soucal added his own Kingdom of Jouran into the equation.



April 12th
Kascha Heifetz, a ten-year-old violin prodigy, makes his debut at a concert in Hellenzurg in the Tyro-Antarian Empire.

April 13th
The Seljuk garrison in Kuzal opens fires on dissenting Muyyad farmers. 31 are wounded, 4 dead. The dissenters scatter for the time being. The Caliph of the Seljuk does not send any additional forces and the garrison there remains at 81 men.

Kingdom of Jouran

Colonel Bohdan liked to consider intelligence work like fishing. You set the bait, cast your rod, and then waited for the fish to nibble on the hook. It had been six years since Jouran had achieved statehood, in that time Bohdan had seen new nations rise, others get swallowed up, and Empire’s slowly begin their march to decay. Yet some things never changed. The Kingdom of Jouran was under threat at its borders as it had been during the time of its Duke’s. It had been the continent’s rabbit, constantly fought on, trod on, and occupied. The result was an ethnic blend that made up Jouran’s fabric to this day.

The Colonel for his part was determined that there would be no more dramatic shifts of fate on this sea of change. The most dramatic of which was from the neighboring state of Dongaria. If any country posed a dramatic threat, with a million men under arms, it was Jouran’s neighbors to the northwest. With its dilapidated defenses, the newly born nation was in a peculiar position. But if the Dongarian’s were to cross the river, then the Colonel was determined that his countrymen would not be caught by surprise.

The Royal Jouranian Intelligence Service functioned like a well-oiled machine. Unlike the Jouranian National Army, the RJI was one of the few entities within the Kingdom that did not have the Tyro-Antari’s fingerprints all over it. It was formed nearly twenty years ago to keep an eye on the various political movements and most of all at the time, a boot on the throat of the Duke’s enemies. During the War of the Seven King’s, the intelligence given to their Imperial counterparts had been dismissed as inadequate. It had resulted In a great deal of Jouran’s sons returning home in pine boxes, including Bohdan’s own son.

For the moment however, the Colonel was ensuring that his net was cast wide to gather up whatever bits of information he could. Everything could be valuble, a rumor, a word, at the Royal Jouranian Headquarters everything was disseminated by the Intelligence units before new orders were given to agents in the field. The Colonel for his part acted as the medical examiner at the autopsy. It was up to him to sift through the body of work and see what would go in the final report to his superiors. With that thought in mind, the Colonel dusted off his reading glasses, eased himself into his favorite padded chair, and began to sift through the pile of neatly stacked papers on his desk.

182nd Infantry Regiment: Jouran-Dongarian Border:

‘’ THE KING NEEDS YOU! ‘’

The mustachioed poster had declared six months ago on the streets of the capital. It was one such advertisement that littered the streets of the capital, loudly boasting the benefits the young but growing Jouranian National Army. At its height, the force was barely under a hundred thousand men but the Legislature was pushing for the forces sized to be nearly doubted.

The posters promised warm lodgings, good pay, and three square meals a day.

Instead, Private Hynek had found a force that was giving wooden rifles to its recruits in order for them to train. When Hynek was issued his rifle, he found it to be as old as the one his grandfather had used when he had been in the Imperial Army. The Private lit a new cigarette, coughing as he wave away the swirl of smoke. It was a rainy, miserable day on the border. He squinted to see any moving figures opposite his small guard post but for the moment the Dongarian border was quiet. No masses of troops waiting to cross, no makeshift bridges, though Hynek truly wondered if the day did come if the JNA would be in a position to stop them.




War Hero to stand for Parliament:
Retired General Richard Moraclev is expected to run under the Labor Platform and challenge Conservative incumbent Jan Radzkey in Parliament to represent the Asov region. Moraclev is noted for his service during the War of the Seven King’s, where he commanded the Eighth Infantry Regiment during the Siege of Fusan. The Eighth Infantry Division survived a grueling eight month siege in defense of the industrial city of Fusan. It wasn’t until Tyro-Antari forces managed to launch a counteroffensive that the Eighth Infantry division was able to withdraw. Still, the General is considered to have his own share of baggage. A vocal proponent of Jouran’s role in the war against Blutland, Moraclev was briefly arrested and detained for his criticism of the Emperor during the War and eventually resigned his commission.

Foreign Minister Calls for Extradition:
Foreign Minister Karel Radovitz has called for the Tyro-Antari Government for a speedy investigation into the Carlsburg affair, saying that ‘’ this crime has gone unanswered for years, the victims and their families deserve justice. I will be working with my counterparts to ensure that the accused see the inside of a courtroom to finally answer for the massacre. ‘’ A special prosecutor and team from the Royal Gendarmerie have been dispatched to the Empire to assist in the investigation.

April 14th
In the Kingdom of Jouran, father and son Prokop and Otto Korclev found Korclev Autos. They immediately begin testing the Kolar Model 1910, a robust sedan with a Blutlandic Hollum-Keffler (28 hp) motor. The same day, the Blutlandic national government receives a request from the Korclev's to license the Hollum Keffler motor themselves.





April 15th
Elections begin in Tyria of the Tyro-Antarian Empire. Although a dual monarchy, the National Parliament's main party Nationale Party der Krone remains in power, the Konservativ and Unionist Party and Liberale parties look to force reform down a nation struggling to maintain it's identity in an ever changing world.

April 16th
President of the Kavonian Republic Oscar Miklos immediately condemns the Kingdom of Jouran's "propaganda," of remilitarization. Speaking from the Kavonian capital of Zarria:

"..the admonishment of any attempts to increase it's military spending. The Kingdom of Jouran must immediately release no less than 40,000 of the men it intends to conscript into it's armies and send them home. The Republic will not stand idle while a neighbor lustfully eyes our territories, rearms, re-equips and broods. Diplomats have been dispatched to Jouran and neighboring Tyro-Antari in order to request a delegation be made manifest."

April 17th

April 18th
The Kavonian Denouncement Crisis however, has drawn the eyes of even such far away nation as Saurilia, Estalia and Zellonia. While the Kavonians condemn the alleged warmongering, the Jourans insist their measures are for "self-defense." Diplomats from the Six Great Powers and their attachés begin arriving.

April 19th
The Kavonian Denouncement Crisis remains at a standstill.

---

POLITICAL CLOUT
-- At the beginning of every month, every Nation will gain [2 Political Clout]. It can be spent the following ways:
-- Recruit General/Admiral [1 Political Clout]: Name the General/Admiral. They will be generated with a skill of [1d10] plus modifiers.
-- Improve Relations [3 Political Clout]: Will improve relations by 4 with a target nation.
-- Propose Non-Aggression Pact [5 Political Clout]: Will propose a Non-Aggression Pact between a target nation. Relations must at least by 0. Lasts 3 Years.
-- Propose Defensive Alliance [10 Political Clout]: Will propose an alliance between a target nation. Relations must at least be +20. Lasts 5 Years.
-- Change Law [8 Political Clout]: Can change a law by 1 Slot in either direction.

Kingdom of Jouran

Government Defends Military Budget:
Prime Minister Josef Masaryk defended the government’s massive expansion of its Armed Forces in a session of Parliament today and later in a speech that was broadcast by radio. ‘’ The Jouranian Government maintains its rights to field its own standing army and to have military parity with its neighbors. This is an inalienable right of a sovereign nation. We reject all claims that Jouran is seeking renewed war or conflict on the continent. But we will not sacrifice our national rights to self-defense nor rely on other nations to grant it for us. Dongaria fields an army triple the size of the Jouranian National Army. Do we protest? No. But nor will we allow this new nation, which we have all fought so hard for, to be consigned to the ash heap of history because we did not invest in the manpower, equipment, and training to defend our homeland. ‘’

King Rictus Conducts State Visit to Tyro-Antari Empire:
In a move no doubt to smooth over ruffled feathers, King Rictus Von Wolframm is set to visit his cousin and Emperor in the Tyro-Antari Empire. The King is expected to stay for more than a week in the Imperial Capital, meeting government officials and promoting ‘’ Jouranian – Imperial ancestral ties of friendship’. The move comes as the Great Powers are set to meet over Kavonian complaints of Jouranian militarization, complaints that the King has called a ‘’ foreign conspiracy to strip the nation of its sovereign rights as a state. ‘’

Ministry of Trade Threatens Retaliation:
The Ministry of Trade released a statement stating that if neighboring states began a ‘’ trade war against Jouran then the Kingdom would respond in kind against any and all measures, within legal means. ‘’ The statement did not elaborate on what those means could be but some measures could include the banning of certain imports and raising tariffs at border crossings. Meanwhile, Jouranian factories began producing the first batches of an estimated eighty thousand rifles that are destined for the army. Tiva Arms & Manufacturing President Milos Sovotka praised the government for the arms contract that would allow the ‘’ military to perform its national duties. ‘’