The gates open at the northern walls of Julia, why ? The refugees that were stacking up had to be let in, they deserved humanitarian aid at least, Vigentino did not seem interested in protecting human life so Julia took the step further. Allowing the refugees in (native julians, vigentino natives as well), the Julian government allowed these people to come in. Providing them with a temporary housing with the soldiers who weren't doing anything else, they were given a few showers and bread and water to share until their conditions could improve. The government was left to deal with once again another pressing issue...

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In this exert Count Laurenz von Ostenburg continues his fascinating exploration of the Wolfram Monarchy and it's manner of governance. In today's expose we shall be delving into the Tyrian system of Crown Territories aswell as it's political landscape and the varied political parties present within the elected lower House of Deputies of the Imperial Diet.

Crown Territories
The Crown Territories are the varied realms over which the Wolfram Monarchy rules as one united Empire under one Crown. Tyria consist of 7 Crown Territories of historical significance, each governed at a local level as administrative provinces by an elected Crown Diet whom enact laws on matters of regional and mostly minor importance. Within those Crown Diets representatives are elected to sit in the House of Deputies of the Imperial Diet in Landorf. The number of Deputies each Crown Diet may send to the House of Deputies is proportional to the population of the Crown Territory governed by that Diet.



Political Parties
The Tyrian political landscape is dominated between control over the Imperial Diet by the Center Party and the Liberal Union, two traditional foes who have long since been ingrained within government. On top of this however, various other parties also stand ready to fight in the political arena, each with their own interests and goals.

Centre Party
- Leader: Prime Minister Steffen von Kohlhas
- Description: Currently the governing party, the Centre Party is a collection of conservatives, aristocrats and monarchists interested in the preservation of the status quo with stances appreciating order, patriotism and security. Known to be pro-military and in-favour of protectionist policies though has proven it's ability to embark upon progressive reforms if necessary in the past.

Liberal Union
- Leader: Alfred Reuter
- Description: The Liberal Union, an alliance of liberals, reformists and some businessmen in favour of the institution of progressive and social reforms, personal liberty and the advancement of women’s rights through the Tyrian Women’s Union and above all free trade or a reduction in protectionist policy. The Liberal Union seeks to work within the framework of the Monarchy and combat what it considers to be radicals.

Labour Representation Committee
- Leader: Mark Bennewitz
- Description: A young party which has risen to meet the demand for a new political party to represent the interests and needs of the growing urban working class. The Committee has drawn the working class, trade unionists and socialists to it's cause with it's promises of advancing worker's rights. Having assured their desire to cooperate with the bourgeois for now, the young party is watched carefully by the Emperor's government.

Agrarian League
- Leader: Baron Siegfried von Hattendorf
- Description: A league of rural landowners and farmers seeking to preserve the position of agriculture in the economy and politics of Tyria in the face of increasing industrialization. As a result, the League seeks to work closely with the political parties most aligned with that interest, most commonly this being the conservative Centre Party.

Helroxi Club
- Leader: Samuel Moravec
- Description: A party which exists solely to push for the rights and interests of the Helroxi ethnic minority group within the Empire. On issues not concerning their base of support, the Club's few Deputies within the Imperial Diet often put their votes "for sale" in return for political favours and promises.

Itheraen Party
- Leader: Count Julius von Moros
- Description: Led by a local Itheraen noble within the Duchy of Castar, the Itheraen Party seeks to preserve the rights, position and interests of the Itheraen minority group within the Empire. To this end the Party's leadership, largely landowners and nobility themselves, often work with the larger conservative and landowner parties in coalitions to achieve greater political influence.

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OOC: +1 to all actions of April

Alwin Gessner the minister of commerce stepped out of his carriage as he looked up at the large manor of Minister Yannick Dehne, the minister of Foreign Affairs. He turned back to his driver “Go tie it up with the others, I’m not sure how long I’ll be but be ready my wife will kill me if I’m home to late.” He turned back to the manor and walked towards it, he had received a dinner invitation, stating all of the ministers would be in attendance so that they may discuss the empire in peace and as friends. He knocked on the door and a servant had lead him to the dining hall which he could hear as soon as he stepped in, he apparently was the last to arrive. But was welcomed all the same.

“Alwin, welcome we were begining to think you weren’t going to show.” Minister of the Army Casper Braun said with a grin. Alwin walked toward the empty seat next to the head of the Table Minister Dehne as a servant poured him a glass of wine. “Now, that your here we can finally begin the feast, Rogers begin serving my guests and me.” Dehne said in a commanding tone before returning to his conversation with minister of Justice Tim Fleischmann. Meanwhile Alwin turned towards Casper who seemed half asleep seeing as how he was 77 years old many wonder why he stays around, but apparently the army is very loyal to him and he holds great esteem if not great care like he once had. “Casper, do you know why we’re here exactly or what we’re gonna be doing here? Besides where is the kaiser?” Before Casper could get a word in Yannick turned “All will be explained after dinner one shouldn’t eat and speak politics at the same time.” Yannick chuckled as did the rest of the table even Alwin all be it suspicious of what was to be discussed.

The food was served in 3 courses, first a light warm chicken soup, followed by the main course of Roasted moose with mashed potatoes and vegetables of the guests choice. Finally the desert served was a sweet chocolate cake, but only Alwin,Yannick,Tillman and Torsten ate that, the rest were full and just continued to drink.

After the dinner Yannick lead the men to his large study and more refreshments were brought over. “Now, gentlemen with dinner finished and hopefully you’re all satisfied,- He said with a snickering smile - I would like to say having served with all of you has been wonderful. I remember when I was brought on under Kaiser Henlick Von Steeb, Jakob’s father and how honored I was. But at the time I didn’t realize the power we controlled, Henlick loved the limelight throwing balls and left the running of the country to us. Yet, since his passing - everyone took a sip of their win in remembrance - Jakob has attempted to strip this power away from us. I for one will not have it, I believe his son Jok who’s 14 now and we could install and rule for at least another 4 more years, showing him how to lead - he winked - And then we have control again .Now what say you?” The men each looked to each other and thought, Minister of Security Tillman Noffke was the first to stand up, Alwin assumed to call him a traitor instead clapped and walked over to shake his hand. The rest of the men agreed casper banged his cane in agreement. “Excuse me gentlemen, we can’t just kill our kaiser. We have been afforded this opportunity to reign by him and his father before him. I am absolutely ashamed at all of you, if we weren’t friends I would report you to the Kaiser himself.” Alwin stood up “I never want to hear this again.” Yannick nodded “Well, if we aren’t all in agreement then there we have it, here a toast to the new kaiser” Yannick turned behind him and grabbed an unopened bottle of wine poured himself and Alwin another glass and handed it to him “To Kaiser Jakob eyy Alwin?” Alwin nodded and took a drink, along with Yannick and the rest of the men who were confused but accepted it nonetheless. Yannick quickly grabbed a small bottle out of his pocket and swallowed it “My medicine I nearly forgot it, damned old age.” “Here, Here” Casper shouted. The men continued chatting for the night, until Alwin collapsed and started spasming as if he was having a stroke, that was until Yannick walked over “To the Kaiser, you poor fool.” The men all were aware and in agreement, they would begin laying out plans to regain control.



The Kaiser sat in his large study looking over reports when a servant knocked on the door, the kaiser shouted a come in, a servant dressed in royal maroon clothes bowed and said “Your Imperial Highness, Grand Duke Realsiv Troves and Baron Jakob Rudist are here and waiting for you in private dining room” The Kaiser smiled and stood up “Excellent, bring us some refreshments, Red wine and the Baron loves Taran scotch.” The servant nodded and walked back to grab the drinks. The Kaiser walked to the large door and stepped out of his study and the walked towards the private dining room, his feet clapped against the marble floor and pictures of his forefathers moved passed him as he walked.

Servants opened the door and the two men stopped speaking immediately stood up and bowed, speaking in unison “You Imperial Highness, we are honored by your call.” The Kaiser chuckled and said “Your honor be damned, stand up and come here.” He gave them both big hugs and then sat down, noticing the drinks were already there and poured himself a glass of wine. “How high we’ve risen, since our days at the Royal Helroxi Imperial Academy. As much as I would like to reminisce of the past though, you were both called for something important.”The Kaiser said. “I think I speak for both of us when I say, as our Friend and Kaiser we’ll do whatever must be done to serve.” Grand Duke Realsiv said. The kaiser chuckled “Good, you see, the Toubres Empire has been having problems with rebels and as little as I care about them, we were invited alongside, the Tyrians and Parakan Republic. This could be huge for us, the damned Taran’s were snubbed and the Republic will have little care about some backwards natives, that means we and the Tyrians will be able to use our influence to further our imperialist nature and attain more resources. I request you both because of your loyalty, friendship and if this works the coastlines will become major hubs both in the east and west.” The two men nodded and stood up with a salute, and again in unison “We’re ready to serve, Your Imperial Highness.” Baron Jakob finished by asking “Who exactly will we be working with and when do we leave?” The three men began to discuss the team and plans.

The Illesian Capitol of Regoth, The Presidium, Military High Command

The Illesian architectural designer Bjon Yjnkle sat pouring over a series of schematics in front of the both the Marshall Triumvirate and Naval Triumvirate of Illesia, nestled away within the massive 'Presidium' in Regoth, the primary government building housing nearly all the high-level committees that ran the country, explaining his design, "As you can see here, here, and here, there are enough dorms and instructional buildings available to facilitate the training of a class of up to 1,000 cadets per year, though I do believe that amount is rather unnecessary at this time, but it meets the design requirements."

"It's future proofing, Mr. Yjnkle. Continue."

"Alright. The design harkens back to older styles of architecture, with stone faces on the outside, wood on the inside. The idea is to represent the ever-present Kingdom of Illesia, standing constantly against the sands of time. Most of the buildings are arranged in a wide circle around the field ground for exercises, with ranges for artillery and marksmanship extended outward from the circle of buildings. The circle is also a representation of infinity essentially."

"Yes, yes, it looks fine. All in favor?" There was a chorus of ayes and then the slamming of a stamp upon paper. Construction on North Point, what was to be Illesia's premier military academy, began not long after when the construction company Construcciones Pinnacle won the bid to construct North Point. They were fairly capable, though not the best and most expensive construction company that had offered to take the job on, but accomplish it they would.

Not far away, five men were standing over a map of Illesia, having just been endowed with a fund of 5,000,000 cesars to work feverishly towards expanding the lackluster network of well-built roads within Illesia. After a few days of negotiation and debate with their chairman Allister Fitzgerald having been forced to break a number of ties when the Committee on Infrastructure became deadlocked, they finally generated the following map of Illesia that would be followed with regards to what future roads had priority.



The legend for the Cross-Country Highway Project is as follows:
-Red lines mark pre-existing well-paved roads.
-Phase One is marked by light green, which seeks to extend the current network to numerous other large cities, stretching the paved road network from Juliad to Levandre.
-Phase Two is marked by dark green.
-Phase Three is marked by light yellow.
-Phase Four is marked by dark yellow, which is notable for finally connecting all major cities of Illesia to the paved road network.
-Phase Five is marked by teal wherein all remaining minor cities are connected to the paved road network.
-Phase Six is marked by purple, and seeks to make some routes shorter and more deeply interconnect the cities of Illesia with paved roads.

Allister was finishing up some paperwork as his old voice carried through the room, "So we are agreed then? This Committee will initiate Phase One and bids to construct those roads will be taken from construction companies?" There was a small chorus of ayes, the sound of yet another stamp hitting paper, as the Cross-Country Highway Project as the Committee on Infrastructure had begun to call it got underway. Within days and weeks, bids started rolling in that the Committee filtered for quality, experience, and price, and soon enough, work would start.

Who would guess that a very important figure in Itheraen society would have been an avid viewer of the automobile industry, especially for a race that was sponsored across the great see that separated Eurania and the Fifth Continent. That avid viewer was none other than the Queen of the nation, herself, finding a strong liking to to the little cars that had been produced over the months. When the announcement of the race had come she had been sure to reserve herself a seat to watch the spectacle, while this news had not affected a majority of the public, who had had never seen a car in their lives, it did spark an interest in the more noble of people that inhabited Itherae's upper crust of society, that typically being government officials or wealthy land holders.

Queen Athena had spent a few days in Ustrela to watch the race, eventually returning to her homeland of Itherae, wanting a car of her own. However, there was the fact that the yearly, around April 18th through to the 21st, the Athlitikí Synkéntrosi or "Sport's Gathering"; a festival held annually in Thermydon with many sports, consisting of wrestling, running, and boxing is in full swing and will last for three days, one day for each sport. The Government even officially recognizes this three day excursion as an official holiday with the nation. Many take off work to travel to the city in order to see the spectacle of Athletes competing for recognition and fame in the official sports, while many unofficial ones are held around the nation more as a family interacting with their community. While women generally did not engage in the

Following the three days the official sports would be viewed by many officials, including the Queen, of course. It was a very fun event for all, with everyone watching, playing, and overall just betting on who would win. This year, the winner would be Hyllos Siculus, with his second year winning all three sports in first place. This won him a prize of $100,000 as well as a dinner in the noble company of royal family.

Near the end of April, the King of the Illesian Kingdom sat staring at a map of the known world splayed out in his hands in a carriage crossing a border, one of his advisors, De Gamos, sitting across from him. As the carriage rolled along, occasionally making its way over a rock before clambering back down to the soil, Avandre Gustere peered intensely at the map. Recently, Serranthia had become particularly interesting in the grand scheme of things, resulting in a conference where even the Great Powers had entered to attempt to make their mark, "The Toubrians should've flat out denied the request for this 'Conference', or else use it to maneuver troops there. The Serranthians are savages, especially this 'Mullah' Kahmar Mustafa, and should be dealt with as such."

De Gamos, a deeply tanned man with black eyes adorned in standard Illesian military garb, shrugged as the carriage hit another rock, "Of course, my Lord. But the Serranthians are hardly the major issue at play here. Colonial endeavors have never really been the strong suit of Illesia."

"Nothing military or imperial has ever been the strong suit of Illesia. We were mostly just farmers for centuries, fighting to protect our lands when necessary."

"And the reason for that is simple. Tara. Tyria. To a small extent, there is Cadia as well. Itherae could have always presented a few problems too. Your ancestors simply felt that defending and developing the Kingdom itself and its people took highest priority. And so, they chose to try to remain away from the center stage of the world."

Avandre mentally circled a number of nations on the map, "Yes well, perhaps it is time Illesia began to bloom like a flower. A deadly nightshade."

"Don't be dramatic, my Lord."

"I'm simply brainstorming, De Gamos. All leaders should consider all avenues of attack or defense, as my father once said. The furtherance of Illesia is my highest goal. Glory, second."

De Gamos squinted slightly at the King, murmuring, "Mhm," before returning his attention to the outside of the carriage, "We're almost here, my Lord."

Avandre rolled up the map and then clapped his hands together as the carriage came to a stop, the man opening the doors for the pair of men to pile out of. Around them, a few Illesian guards stood, ensuring the safety of their King, as Avandre focused his eyes on the building in front of him.

"My Lord, may I reinforce that she may not even be here? We should've sent word ahead that you'd be visiting."

"Nonsense, you know I hate royal welcomes. Too much fanfare. If she is not here, then I shall wait for her return. I've heard women like a bit of brashness and initiative anyway," Avandre waved off De Gamos' advice as a number of passing Toubrians looked at the Illesian men, some of them widening their eyes in shock when they recognized the Illesian King. Toubrian palace guards quickly approached, to which Avandre waved with a great smile, "Good evening, gentlemen, I am King Avandre VII, and I have come to see your Empress! We have much to discuss!"

De Gamos sighed in slight frustration. This might not go well.

Empire of Toubres

Valério Lopes was an old man. He had watched the powers of the Known World shift and change, the balance of the world forever moving, but forever level. When one rose, one fell. And when there was success, there was always failure. All this he had seen in his life, carving out his own comfortable existence on the eastern coast of the Toubres Empire. His family was a noble one, and when he walked the corridors of his villa, inherited from his father and sprawled over a ridge, he was watched by the eyes of ancestors stretching back for centuries.

And he had made use of his position, becoming a successful trader in his own right. In his younger days he had travelled all across Eurania and Faresia, visiting the colonies of Toubres, and visiting other strange, and exotic lands with his offerings of spice, rich wine and hides. Once, he had even travelled as far as the Fifth Continent, and his memories of that far-off land stayed with him, all these years afterwards.

But through all his far off travels, one place still remained as the most fond in his memories. A fishing village, almost too small to even be called a village, just a handful of low houses clustered around the small, narrow bay. He had stopped there for the first time, when he was a young man, naively looking to sell goods to those who had no need, or want for them. He had met her then, like an angel as she watched his ship draw close to the shore, her curiosity drawing her to him. Since then, he had visited the village countless times, taking fish in exchange for whatever payment the villagers would expect. And every visit, she would watch them arrive from the shore, and the two would cast fleeting glances to each other throughout the visit, passion never realised burning between them. Now, he was an old man, and he did not captain his own ships anymore. He had left the running of the company to his apprentice, the closest he had to a son, leaving Valério free to enjoy his retirement.

But he could not enjoy his time if he couldn’t see her. And every few months, he would charter a modest craft, and sale across the strait to the little village on the waters edge. Now that he was old, he did not bring trade, but the people had come to welcome him as one of their own, and he and his modest crew were warmly welcomed. And the girl, who he had never spoken a word to for years, who he had watched grow old just as he had, continued to watch him arrive, waiting on the shore.

Her name was Rosa, and she was just as beautiful as the day that he first saw her. Every visit, he would meet her on the gentle sands, lapped at by the sea, and they would talk and laugh long into the night. She was his one, and only, love, and every moment he spent away from her, his heart yearned.

Valério Lopes opened his eyes. From where he stood, on the grand sweeping balcony of his villa, he could make out that small, fishing village, clinging to the coast of the Serene Empire of Tara, the strait separating them. The relationship between the two neighbouring empires, Tara and Toubres, had been a long and complicated one. And his love, Rosa, was born on the wrong side of the sea for the two of them to ever truly find happiness together.

But no more, a smile crossed his wizened face as he looked down at the parchment he held in his hand, bearing the seal of the Empress, Maia Bastos. Ensuring that his old eyes were not deceiving him, he read the words again.


Valério turned away from the view, and saw that his once apprentice Ennio Zanni was already by his side, watching his old master with affection in his eyes.

“Prepare a ship for me, Ennio. I sail for Tara, for Rigour.”

Ennio nodded, and quickly slipped away, his footsteps echoing away down the hallway. Valério turned back to the view, a tear forming in one
eye as he whispered, words intended only for himself, and his lover.

“This is our time, Rosa. Watch for me on the coming tide.”

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OOC: +2 to Order 2

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The Toubres Empire, Amzores
The Empress of Toubres smiled as she read over the parchment, nodding slightly before looking back to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariano Tejedor. The man nodded and quickly handed her the Imperial Seal. Reaching down, she signed the treaty, letting the Minister quickly take it away, she leant back in her seat.

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(Collaboration between SonOfALich and Ascendant)

Empress Maia Bastos pursed her lips, leaning forward slightly, brow furrowed and eyes narrows for an instant. All at once, she laughed, a smile flashing across her face as she reached out and moved the carefully carved, ivory figure, across the board and placed it triumphantly down on a square as white as silk gloves that the Empress wore. Her bright eyes glanced up at Vicenti Queiros, sitting across the board from her, as the older man groaned slightly and shook his head. Maia spoke, her voice ringing like a bell as she smiled widely.

“Checkmate. You’re getting old, Vicenti!”

The young woman’s tutor smiled slightly as he shook his head again, gesturing to the board in defeat.

“I fear I’ve taught you too well, Maia. I never noticed your queen until it was too late to do anything about it.”

“That was your biggest mistakes, Vicenti. The Queen is the most powerful piece on the board. You know that.”

The two friends were interrupted by a hurried knocking on the door. They glanced at each other =, before Vicenti called out for the knocker to enter. One of the palace guard’s, resplendent in his dark uniform, burst into the room, gasping for breath as he bowed deeply towards the Empress as he struggled to find his voice. When he finally did, he blurted out his words, panting heavily.

“King Avandre. Of the Illesian Kingdom. He’s here. To see you. Your majesty.”

Maia quickly turned towards Vicenti, an eyebrow raised, and saw that the smile had gone from the man’s face, his jaw set as he nodded curtly to the guard, his voice ringing with authority.

“Thank you, soldier. Have him shown into the Beleza Garden, and his companions entertained in the Front Lounge. The Empress will be with him shortly.”

The guard nodded, and was gone in an instant, the echoing sound of his pounding boots on the marble floor quickly fading away. Vicenti turned back to the Empress, and smiled kindly, rising to his feet and holding out a hand to help her up.

“It is time for you to act like the Empress I know you can be, Maia.”

---

Empress Maia Bastos breezed into the garden, taking a moment to enjoy the warmth of the sun on her face, the smell of sweet flowers on the air, and the soft trickle of the stream mingling with the singing of birds all around her. Glancing around, she saw King Avandre VII sat on one of the carved marble benches that lined the winding stream that cut through the garden. Composing herself, she walked to face him and nodded her head in greeting, a slight smile dancing behind her bright eyes.

“Apologies for the wait, your majesty. But I admit I was not expecting your visit.”

Avandre quickly rose from sitting with one leg over the over and took a deep bow, “Patience has always been seen as a virtue of Man, and for an Empress, my patience is as deep as the oceans.” The man then held out his own hand for the Empress’ if she chose to give her own hand for him to kiss, “I am deeply saddened we haven’t been able to speak before in person.”

Maia smiled with slight bemusement as she bowed her head again in thanks, holding out her hand for the King, as he lightly kissed it and rose from his bow. Looking at the man standing before her, Maia noticed that he was not an unattractive man, and as she gestured for him to return to his seat, she blushed slightly as she sat down beside him.

“You flatter me, sir. Your visit is most welcome, I know how greatly my father admired the Illesian Empire. Although, if it is not too forward, I suspect that your long journey is not entirely for a social call?”

Avandre waved his hand as if dismissing something, “Kingdom, we are a mere Kingdom. We hold no colonies, for at least, unlike your Empire.” The young man smiled, nodding subtly at her inference, “You are correct, and it is not too forward at all. You see,” Avandre began before briskly dropping to his knee by her side, once more holding his hand out towards her, “I have come to ask your hand in marriage. I know it is sudden, and that our two nations already share a Defensive Military Alliance, but it is my strong belief that together, our two nations will be significantly more stable, protected, and capable of exercising their power on the world stage. Our Union would permanently solidify and protect the border we share, and allow us to look beyond it towards the West, East, and South, as well as allow our peoples to work together in both war and economy.”

He paused for a moment, chuckling lightly as he added, “And I would be able to find a woman to be not my Queen, but my Empress, and an astonishing one at that. What do you say, Empress Maia Bastos?”

The Empress opened her mouth to apologise for her formality error, but her words escaped her as the King dropped to his knee at her feet. Her heart all but stopped in her chest as she listened to his proposal. She felt faint with shock for a moment, but managed to regain her composure for a moment as she looked down at the man kneeling before her. She was silent for an instant, before she spoke, a smile crossing her face as she took his hand.

“You are certainly bold, sir. And you honour me. I say yes, King Avandre. I agree that our two nations can only benefit from our coming together. But I will be an Empress first, and your wife second. Just as I am prepared for you to be a King first, and my husband second.”
An immense amount of joy spread through King Avandre, mixed with a small amount of surprise. He’d been steeling himself for rejection for days, so it was a welcome surprise as the man kissed her hand repeatedly, “Of course. Bringing two nations closer together while achieving perhaps the best wife a man could ask for is something that few men are ever lucky enough to achieve. I will have to return shortly to Regoth in Illesia, but I can stay for a while longer while we discuss other things and formally write any paperwork we must. And then we can announce when the wedding shall be!”

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April 17th


Julo-Vigentan War


April 18th


April 19th
Serranthian Conference

Known World

April 20th

April 21st

April 22nd

April 23rd

April 24th

Julo-Vigentan War

April 25th

April 26th

The Kaiser entered the room and immediately all of the officers rose and bowed including the ever aging minister of the army Casper Braun who slowly lowered himself to the ground, while the entire room echoed “Your Imperial Highness.” The Kaiser saluted and sat at the far end of the chair “Rise, we have a great many things to discuss if my reports serve me well. If I am the last, then please let us begin.” The officers rose, Casper had be helped by his two adjuncts who flanked him as he seated next to the Kaiser. “General Turven, with our Kaiser arrive begin debriefing us on all the current situation of the army, and then we may discuss some actions that might be taken.” The Minister said.

At that moment the 57 year old Brigadier General Erich Turven stood up, a veteran of the war with the Tyrians he is a well experienced man but being one of the younger men in the room and refusing to play politics he has been forced to remain Brigadier General. He would have remained a colonel had he not distinguished himself in the war and earned the loyalty of many of his subordinates and the love of the people. “Of course Minister, and welcome Kaiser. If you’d like to open up the reports that have been written out. I’d first like to draw attention to some alarming reports. You’ll notice a great deal of our men are without weapons, I would recommend either expanding our current arms industry with haste to supply the men, purchasing some or due to budgetary constraints we inform some of the men to stand down. Secondly, I would like to fully test out our recently produced Machine Guns, and make sure they are in working conditions and should they be, then we reorganize our army to incorporate such weaponry. Thirdly, the infrastructure throughout our entire nation is horrid, but is one of the easiest things to fix, especially should the TEW workout a logomotive design. However, I am not a quartermaster nor industrialist and will leave that to the cabinet or yourself, your highness. Forth, from the reports of Generals Thaddäus Naumann and Christoph Greifelt who are in Cydernia if you recall state the training of the Cydernians is going well, they feel they would be able to do more should they receive funding or if you sent additional resources either in manpower or weaponry. I believe before moving on, you or some of the others may wish to suggest alternative suggestions to my report.” The General stood at the front of the largest table while the men looked at one another, the Kaiser himself had liked the ideas but wanted to see if any of the old guards loyal to the minister had the balls to say anything, almost on cue the Minister turn to the kaiser “My staff and I have looked on these reports and believe that they are acceptable, except for ordering men to stand down, our numbers have always been our greatest strength to stand them down would look weak.” the men around the table nodded “Perhaps, but having men empty handed guarding our borders would look foolish and make us a laughing stock. I’ll think this over but I’ll more then likely request the soldiers without weapons to stand down. Now, what else is there to discuss” The Kaiser returned his eyes on the general, with great care too, before he thought the high command corrupt and ineffective but this general is something else.

“Well Kaiser, I have here the positions and current standing orders for our 3 army groups. To our South West stationed on the Holy Empire of Vigentino’s border we have Army Group Franken, lead by Lieutenant General Volkhardt Herzberg and composed of 226,000 men. To the far west on the border of the Confederation of Hokkan-Shirito we have Army Group Brezler, under the command of Major General Venderzon Jusev, with 280,000 men under his command. Then Brigadier General Yultiin Illyosen commands Army Group Reselven which is to the South East on the Border of the Tyrian Empire with 140,000 men under his command. Finally Army Group Wesleven, under Major General Zurosev Fregrelen is on the border of the Marnish Kingdom to the North East with 136,000 men under his command. All 4 army groups have men without weapons and none of the armies have standing orders.” The Kaisers eyes furrowed angry and confused “Why do they have no orders?” He looked to the minister who refused to acknowledge the Kaiser either out of fear or lack of caring since he had already become invested in a conspiracy that was ever growing. “That I am unsure of, but orders can be drawn up quickly, I believe war games, training or stand border patrols would work.” The Kaiser nodded “Is there anything else we need to discuss the?” The Kaiser looked around the generals and adjuncts were shaking their heads and closing the reports, before the General coughed “If I may, your highness, I would like to propose some, radical changes if I may speak freely.” The General stood there atease.

“General thank you that will be -” The minister was cut off by the Kaiser “Please General, by all means I did request this meeting to hear things of that nature.” Erich smiled “Thank you, your highness. Well, there are three major things I’d like to suggest. First, the opening of Military Academies, for you see as it stands we rely a lot on nobles who while maybe educated are perhaps not the most sound in leadership for one reason or another, that’s why I’d further suggest these academies be open to all classes. Secondly, I would recommend we begin to cut back on conscription and conscripts in general, while our numbers often are one of our greatest strengths and untrained man can be susceptible to a number of things, if we opening military training camps to have a trained for our numbers would be one of many strengths. Finally, this being perhaps the most radical currently, all military officials here and throughout the empire are of some royal background which is a noble thing. However, men who were born to lower classes have served under me have been as good as if not better then officers who were nobles. That is why I believe, in future rank should be based on experience and ability over that of nobility, influence or money.” The General then stood as many of the men in the room their eyes narrowed liked daggers many here would be what you call old guards, the kaiser himself took a long deep breathe and began to slowly nodded “General, I believe all of these are of sound judgement, especially from reports that have been sent in by the Julia-Vigentino war, we should even learn from our own war against the Tyrians. Though make it Helroxi officers only and get the documents written up I will then overlook them and authorize them should they look accordingly.” The Kaiser said as he stood up, “Minister Promote him to Major General, he clearly knows his information. Now I must go speak with some corporate heads and meet with some candidates for the Minister of Commerce. Excuse me.” With that the kaiser rose along with everyone else, the officers saluted him as he left.



The Kaiser sat in his desk chair with a fine Helroxi Wine as he read over the Diplomatic agreements that were to be sent out at once. The first on his desk was Addressed to King Simon Itonzo of the Kingdom of Melgaria



After the kaiser signed it he shifted it to the side and looked at the letter addressed to the Kingdom of Cydernia



The next treaty on his desk was to the Holy Empire of Vigentino at first he was confused and taken a back however after he began looking at the paper he began to chuckle



With all papers signed and approved the kaiser called over his aides and had them sent out.

(Collaboration between SonOfALich and Ascendant)

The Toubres Empire, Amzores

King Avandre VII Gustere took a slow, deep breath as he read the final paperwork that would preface the announcement of their marriage, “So, my dear, what say you of this prenuptial agreement? I believe that’s everything that concerned you.” De Gamos was not far away now, peering over at the two and the clerk that was writing the document from time to time before returning his attention back out through a window to the city beyond.

Vicenti Queiros had also joined the newly engaged couple in the modest chamber, and he stood watching the two of them with a wry smile on his face. The Empress glanced at him for a brief moment, before she turned back to the document. Eyes scanning the carefully written words, she nodded slowly.

“I couldn’t agree more. Now we are only left with where to marry, and who to invite. Might I suggest the Palace, here in Toubres as a suitable location?”

She turned back to her fiance, raising an eyebrow slightly as she watched his face.

Leaning back in his seat whilst clasping his chin, Avandre hummed to himself while mentally creating a list of names and nations, “I believe it would be a good idea to invite the leaders of the other Great Powers, and probably our important neighbors such as Marlanos. As for where to marry, well,” the man smiled and motioned all about himself, “Amzores seems the ideal location! Toubres is quite the power, and marrying here might help cement our union in your people’s mind. Afterwards, we could visit Illesia as well, so my poor people do not miss too much.”

“I’m glad we agree. May I then suggest that we invite Empress Susanette de Jaloie of Tara, Emperor Adalar von Wolfram of Tyria, Queen Athena Tyroli of Itherae, Pope Carlo Bocci of Vigentino, and the esteemed ruler of Marlanos to the Imperial Palace of Amzores for our marriage, three months from today.”

King Avandre nodded in agreement as he signed the paper, “I look forward to it!”

“As do I.”

With a flick of her wrist, the Empress of Toubres signed the paper.

---

---

April 27th

April 28th

April 29th

April 30th

There were still tensions between Cydernia and Itherae towards the Tyrian Empire, the war games had definately been a scare that still left a few people on edge within the nations. While Tyrian officials had made it clear that they were merely excising their right as a nation to prepare to defend itself, it left a sour taste between those on it's borders. Many in the Supra Dobranie wanted to lower the tensions between the three nations before things would spiral out of hand like it had in the Vigentino-Julian Conflict that had erupted shortly after Itherae had offered to settle a peaceful resolution between the two, granted the war seemed to show more and more incompetence between the two armies than anything else. That was when the first draft of what would later become the Tri-Academy Deal had been formulated by a small party within the Supra Dobranie.

The first draft of the deal had left the High Kingdom of Itherae as the sole funder for the academy and so it was revised on April 12th, to include the split funding between all three nations. Granted, it left Tyria with the greatest amount to pay as their economy produced a much more vast amount of money than Cydernia and Itherae could hope to achieve at the current status of their nations. With that revision came other speculations as to whether this deal would just be a waste of time for the Itheraens, however, it was more likely these speculators merely did not want to share Itheraen knowledge and tactics with other nations that may be later hostile towards each other. Yet, those speculators were quickly silenced by the fact that if Itherae could keep tensions low between the nations then they would not need to worry about a conflict, which was exactly what the Supra Dobranie had been aiming to accomplish with the bill for a time.

Other's of the Tyrian Delegation, holding a mere fourteen seats with little to say over the Itheraen political sphere, did make the point that if the Tyrian Empire would agree to the bill then that would show the faith that the Great Power had in the High Kingdom, as well as show proof of the legitimate success of the Tri-Academy in the future which may end up producing some of the best officers that the world has ever seen for Itheraen High Command to use in any future conflict.

Many agreed with the Tyrian Delegation and decided that the deal would prove to be of the best interest for Itherae, and for those other two nations which would hope to resolve their tensions. Eventually, the envoys would be given copies of the deal and sent to first the Tyrian Empire then to Cydernia. Finn Mahler, one of the Tyrian delegates in the Supra Dobranie brought the deal to the Tyrian Diet to be reviewed then, hopefully signed with little change to the deal's contents, then it would be taken back to Thermydon and sent to the Cydernian capital of Sovachevitsa by Herodes Pittheus, a man who had been sent to Cydernia earlier in the year and holder of the signature of the Trajkovski Accord.



(+2 to Order 1)

The ‘Sede Centrale’, the headquarters and beating heart of the Imperial Guard of Vigentino was a largely unassuming building; squat, dark and cold. Guards in the dark uniforms of the 3rd Infantry Division, “The Sons of Cogoli” patrolled the perimeter of the building, rifles held carefully as they scanned the crowds that milled around. Within the ‘Sede Centrale’, the High Command of the Imperial Guard, as well as representatives of the Logistics Corps and officers of the Infantry Division, Cavalry Brigades and Artillery Battalions that were scattered all across Vigentino, all milled through the sparsely decorated corridors and rooms filled with charts, maps and reports.

Deep within the heart of the ‘Sede Centrale’, a low-ceilinged chamber served as the nexus of the Imperial Guard High Command. A table had been intricately carved to become a topographical map of Vigentino and it’s immediate surrounding area. The mountains that encircled the northern regions, the three rivers that wound around Cogoli, and the roads that criss-crossed between the towns and cities. Pope Carlo Bocci absent-mindedly picked up one of the ornate marble figures, scattered across the map, that represented one of the Infantry Divisions of the Imperial Guard. Glancing at it, he saw that the figure in his hand represented the 7th Infantry Division, “The Pope’s Own”, and he smiled slightly, turning it over in his hand as he inspected the angular, carved face of the figure. As he placed it back down from where he had taken it, he heard the door behind him open.

It was late at night, and the ‘Sede Centrale’ was at it’s quietest, only a skeleton crew of aides, and those on urgent business, still walked the corridors. The Pope had been alone in the chamber, but as he turned, he saw a young Tenente of the High Command step into the room, a pile of papers tucked under one arm. The Pope reasoned that he couldn’t be more than a year or two out of an academy, so he did his best to smile warmly as the young officer glanced up and caught sight of the Holy Empire’s ruler standing before him.

The Tenente’s mouth fell open, the papers fallen from his hand, long forgotten. He desperately stammered, struggling to find his voice but the Pope held up a hand for silence, shaking his head slightly.

“Silence, child. I’m merely passing through.”

The Pope wore simple, woollen robes, far from the elaborate finery that his position often demanded, and as he stepped past the officer, he raised the hood to obscure his face. Finally finding his voice, the Tenente turned after him.

“Your holiness... How...”

Turning back, his face obscured in the shadow of his hood, Carlo Bocci shrugged slightly.

“I’m an old man, Tenente. I’ve had a long time to learn my way around.”

With that, he turned a corner in the corridor, and was gone, leaving the young officer staring down an empty corridor, and questioning whether he had really just seen the Holy Pope of Vigentino wandering the army headquarters at night, or whether it had just been a figment of his overworked and overtired brain. Shaking his head to try and clear the fatigue, he turned and began gathering the papers scattered across the chambers floor.

OOC: +1 to All Orders