Province of Altubren
Grand Capital Miersera
Royal Plaza - 1801

The Capital of the kingdom of Ubren was one of the largest and most finest cities in the entire continent, its people were educated and dresed, behaved and lived their lives as proper gentlemen, however, when a gentlement is unfiriated it is to be expected that his ire is to avenge and set right what he considers to be wrong, and in this case, the daring of the Attolian government to treat Ubren citizens as second class just for traveling was outrageous.

Boiling blood and the outcries against Attolia were now stronger than ever before and that only meant that something had to be done about Attolia, they had already refused to deal diplomatically with the demands of Ubren for peace in the continent and had conspired against Ubren in the diplomatic conference, this only left one answer in the mind of people of Ubren. War.

Ulmar I "The Stormborn" called for a the people to meet at the Royal Plaza, it was time to communicate them what he as the leader of Ubren would do about the Attolians and their conspiring allies. This traditon wasn't uncommon in Ubren where kings were seen as paternalistic figures more than anything and an example for most of the nation and this speech would be no different.

The Kingd of Ubren started to talk about the victory against Aontas and the unification wars he oversaw, it had been so many years now but he knew that the time for war had come and it would be Ubren the one to end up victorious and rise to the its place in the sun, or it would be forever put into the shadow of history.

He knew that the war would be painful and long, but he knew that the people of Ubren were stronger than any effeminated Attolian and that their will was more than enough to surpass any challenge that could present itself, he said that he would call upon all the allies of Ubren to help them against the Attolians and if they decided to betray their ally, then Ubren would fight alone if need be, but one thing was more than sure in the mind of the King, Ubren would fight and destroy its enemies.

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen





2nd of October

Unsurprisingly, the 'Suveren Issue', as it has been coined, dominates the conversation all across The Kingdom of Aontas. The catastrophic failure of the meeting between the King and the leaders of the rebellion has been well-documented, and the Kingdom seem's set on approaching the issue from another angle. Rather than dealing with the natives that have turned against them, they approach those who have remained loyal. Any native that didn't participate in the rebellion is promised land grants, an appealing offer. However, there are a strong of problems. The first, is that the Kingdom is in no position to offer land, with the colony still in the grip of chaos. And the second, is that this declaration only further ignites the fires of defiance in the hearts of those who still rebel. If their actions have already condemned them to fall from the Kingdom's graces, why should they stop now? In areas of the colony, open rebellion still rages, and in others, it is only subdued through the brutal actions of the mercenaries.

3rd of October

The fleet of The Empire of Attolia, still fleeing to the east from The Shuren Dynasty, are forced to scupper several of their ships, in order to ensure that some of their more damaged ships, especially their flagship, a formidable First-Rate Ship of the Line, have a crew adequate enough to sail. The progress of the fleet's voyage had to practically grind to a halt as the repairs and decisions are made. When they are complete however, the fleet that sails is far more well prepared for the journey ahead.

5th of October

It appears that it is not only in The Kingdom of Aontas that the 'Suveren Issue' is being discussed. The Republic of Toubres seems to still be considering their offer to help restore peace in the colony of Suveren. Moving a sizable portion of the Western Territories fleet to the docks of Toubrian Rilos, primed to make the short crossing at a moment's notice. They are also quick to send another message to Aontas, offering their immediate assistance in the region.

7th of October

The National Conference of Inventors in The Three City's Republic of Ianian continues to drag on, the greatest minds of the Republic fighting against each other to earn the promised reward. Eventually, a winner emerges, a nobleman by the name of Federigo Ampi from the far flung colony of New Genia. What he produces is the first battery capable of continuously providing an electric current to a circuit. This discovery is groundbreaking, and opens the door to a whole host of other potential discoveries.

9th of October

Keen to continue expanding their colonies in the region, while their rivals continue to seem to ignore the unclaimed land, The Three City's Republic of Ianian sails a large colonial party from it's colony of Resia. The sailors cling to the coastline, moving along it to the west until they find a suitable place to land. In a clear sing of intent, the settlers dub the new land South Iberia. With the close links they already shared with the natives through trade, the process of colonising the region is pain-free.

11th of October

Despite the calls for aid in the region from The Empire of Attolia, both the Kingdom of Jinje and the Attolian East Asia Trading Company are found wanting. Jinje simply can't bring any weaponry to bear that could hope to damage the powerhouse that The Shuren Dynasty has become, and while the Trading Company possesses a formidable private navy, the shareholders of the Company demand good trade, not war, so they are forced to ignore the calls of Attolia, instead preferring to continue trading, albeit with larger escorts for their ships. The Echyan Empire too receives the call, and again, are unable to answer it. They send their deepest regrets, explaining that the majority of their fleet is still tasked with defending the Empire itself, and those ships that could be spared would face the same perilous voyage that Attolia themselves are attempting. They do however off the Attolian fleet sanctuary, if they can make it..

12th of October

Even while one of it's colony seems to be consuming itself, The Kingdom of Aontas still clearly has it's eyes set on the future. With it's efforts to improve it's armies main weapon already having proven itself to be an impressive success, Aontas now turns it's attention towards it's production methods. Specifically, the facilities that produce muskets and cannons are expanded, seemingly being prepared for the Kingdom to become a military power, even if it has to be dragged there.

13th of October

Now that a treaty has descended between The Kingdom of Sescos and The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar, the thousands of soldiers The Empire of Attolia, still garrisoned in the territories of Sescos, take quickly to the task of attempting to raise the morale of the population. With the tens of thousands of the nations young men slaughtered in the wars of the last few years, the nation has been struggling to repair the damage done to them. This is not helped by the weakness of the nations current ruler, King Ciro Malas. However, with the action and effort of the Attolian soldiers, spirits are lifted, if only a little.

16th of October

Keen to further strengthen their ties, perhaps ensuring that they have friends to call upon if war continues to spread across Europe, The Republic of Toubres joins with The Redcliff Empire and The Holy Territories of Edoniras. This comes in the form of 'war-games'. From their base in the city of Mussara, the formidable Toubres navy leads the fledgling navies of Redcliff and Edoniras through basic maneuvers and mock warfare. This not only improves relations, creating a sense of camaraderie between the soldiers of the three nations, but it also helps improve the sailors of the burgeoning navies, guided by the careful hand of the experienced Toubrian commanders.

17th of October

With support for their call of condemnation against The Kingdom of Vendsyssel and The Kingdom of Ilastiri failing to gain traction, The Kingdom of Claidor finds itself looking for another way out of it's current struggles. Although The Empire of Rubrus is making good progress against Vendsyssel, Claidor is a crippled nation, the lost land ripping out the Kingdom's burgeoning industrial heartland. With it's own armies bloodied, Claidor cannot lend it's strength to aid Rubrus, but neither does it have the strength to reclaim the lost land from the defending armies of Ilastiri and Vendsyssel. They are instead forced to simply barricade themselves within the cities they still control, and wait for whatever comes next.

19th of October

It appears The Redcliff Empire is a popular friend to have. This time, it is The Hastel Dominions that sends a diplomatic party to Redcliff, attempting to not only increase relations, but also to open up a vital trade route. The Redcliff Empire is happy to accept the offer of trade, it's economy always looking for a welcome boost, and the Empire also tentatively accept the offer of increased relations, although they are hesitant to putting anything official between the two nations, wary of the Dominions apparent warmongering.

20th of October

While The Kingdom of Claidor lingers, The Empire of Rubrus does not. Buoyed with confidence from their successful capture of Norzeg, and secure in the knowledge that The Kingdom of Aontas has shattered the naval strength of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel, General Klavdiy Levin pushes onwards. Two cities remain under Vendsyssel control in the province of Rogosz. The first is the port city, and province capital, of Rosgoz itself. But between General Levin and Rosgoz lies the city of Pives, and it is there that the Rubrus army marches towards. As they march, Empress Alina Romanovna formally requests the aid of the Continental Alliance, calling on The Kingdom of Aontas, The Empire of Attolia and The Echyan Empire.

21st of October

Now that it's fleet has been brought back to at least some idea of combat-ready, the Admiral of The Empire of Attolia, Topi Valtonen, begins to turn his mind away from fleeing, and back to vengeance. Finally making the decision, and still wary of the colossal distance ahead of his fleet and the safety of The Echyan Empire colonies, Admiral Valtonen turns his fleet around, and sails west. Where they are bound, still stands to be seen.

23rd of October

The constant unrest in the province of Belgae seems to build to a frenzied crescendo. Rebels and spies that had managed to evade the Sentinels of The Empire of Attolia for months suddenly break cover, seeming to be simply trying to cause as much chaos as possible. The sheer ferocity of it is too much for the Sentinels to handle alone, and the soldiers of Attolia in the province are quickly dispatched all across Belgae to help restore some semblance of peace.

25th of October

Despite the efforts of the peace summit, the seemingly inevitable finally occurs. The Kingdom of Ubren officially declares war on The Empire of Attolia, blaming Attolia's 'conspiracy' against Ubren for fanning the flames beyond the point that they can be extinguished. Ubren is quick to call their allies to their side, chiefly The Redcliff Empire and The Hastel Dominions. War continues to consume Europe.

26th of October

Not willing to squander the advantage they currently hold, The Kingdom of Ubren is quick to strike the first blow in it's war with The Empire of Attolia. An army group under the command of the highly respected General Janik Tillich marches to war. The General has nearly one hundred and fifty thousand men at his back as he marches into the Attolian province of Belgae, moving fast with a clear purpose to crush the garrison of the Empire underfoot.

28th of October

With the vast majority of the garrison scattered across Belgae handling the uprisings, clearly now an organised strike to distract the Empire before the invasion, The Empire of Attolia is woefully unprepared to handle the immense army bearing down on it. The cavalry of The Kingdom of Ubren, twenty thousand riders, race ahead of the main force. Thousands of Attolian soldiers are cut off, and cut down, dying on the streets as they are forced to either flee to the relative safety of the province's cities, or attempt heroic, but futile, last stands. First blood has been drawn. The fractions of the garrison that do survive find themselves seeking shelter in cities in which the people are constantly rising up against them, forcing them to spend as much time ensuring that the townsfolk don't throw open the gates from within as they do ensuring Ubren don't break through them from without.

30th of October

At least one nation of Europe is still attempting to maintain peace. The Three City's Republic of Ianian calls together representatives of both The Echyan Empire and The Republic of Toubres. The treaty proposes a colonial divide in the Americas. Although the proposal is certainly in favour of Toubres and Ianian, and in truth offers little than what is already a certainty, for The Echyan Empire, it offers a security for their colonies. Both Toubres and Echya are quick to sign the treaty, and it becomes official. Not only does this avoid potential squabbles, it also further strengthens the relationship between the three nations, potentially even tempting Echya away from the Continental Alliance.

The reports spread out across the desk in front of Leonardo Serra certainly made for interesting reading. Despite the obvious severity of the situation, the Líder do Conselho couldn't help but smile as he read the account of the latest speech made by Emanuel Fernandes. The Representative of the Republic of Toubres at the recent summits was an old friend of Leonardo, a very old friend. The two men had been born on the same street, a few doors down from each other in a narrow street in the beating heart of Amzores. They'd become friends when they were still children, looking to escape from beneath their mother's skirts. The same burning ambition had burned within both of them, and it was that driving ambition that had dragged them both continuously upwards. Both had found that it was in government that they could find the steps they needed to climb above their station.

That was decades ago, and look at them now. Leonardo stood as the Lider do Conselho, undoubtedly one of the most powerful men in the whole of the Republic, while Emanuel was the international face of Toubres. However any who claimed that it was only Emanuel's friendship with the high-ranking Leonardo that had secured him his own impressive career were sorely mistaken. Emanuel had forged his own path, his brilliant eloquence and burning charisma clearly defining himself as the best man for the task when the first international summit was called by The Holy Territories of Edoniras. And he had certainly proven himself. Although he of course was guided by the constant string of letters running between Emanuel and the Conselho itself, it was his own words he spoke, and his own passion that fueled him.

Now, with Europe seemingly in flames, Leonardo could think of no better man to be the spokesman of the Republic, the representative of Toubres, with the whole nation at his back. A quick gesture from the Lider do Conselho called forward the servant who had been waiting patiently to one side of the room, and a page of parchment, already addressed to Emanuel, was slid across the desk until it rested before Leonardo. Fountain pen already in hand, Leonardo began to write.

The cold air of the plains of Belgae was warmed by the heat of the body of around a hundred thousand bodies all moving towards a same common direction, while the sound of a disciplined march reached the entire plains, this was the army of Ubren and lead by one of its finest generals, it was meet and greeted in the sides of the roads by farmers and the rebels of Belgae, who had been fighting the Attolians long before Ubren had even declared war.

In these many thousands of soldiers, many thought that they were fighting for their country, some for their king, the veterans for their general and country, some so they could survive but under all those different reasons, they were all here and ready to fight side by side, and die if need be in the same way that they would arrive.

Between the rebels of Belgae, there was a leader, at least, someone that could be called as such. It was a man called Nils Østergård , who had managed to form the rebellion into something more cohesive, cohesive enough to be helpful to soldiers of Ubren who had come to liberate them from the oppression of the Attolian king and his government.

He made sure to coordinate with Janik, the general of the Ubren 1st Army the principal force of Ubren in this campaign, about the whole Belgaen independence matter, Ubren had in mind to install a noble from Ubren as the ruler of Belgae, at least, to provide with stability to the small new independent nation, while also allowing some kind of people's congress to keep the popular support and self-ruling part of the whole ordeal, after all, that was the reason Ubren was intervening in the first place.

The man in question was Oscar Kjeldsen, a young man recently entering his twenties. He was the heir to the Kjeldsen family, one of the aristocrats who came from the western province of Obertal and had their states near the border of Belgae. Thus he was fluent in the language and knowledgeable enough to satisfy the Belgaens about their ruler.

While he wasn't married yet, he was a young vigorous man so finding a candidate from the many noble families on the continent wouldn't prove to be difficult, but that would be until he was officially installed as the Prince of Belgae, ruler of the Principality of Belgae.

Oscar Kjeldsen could always be found in the rear of Janik, next to his own bodyguard composed of the strongest and best men he had at his disposal, in truth this wasn't originally planned, as it considered by Ubren authorities as too much of a risk to let the incoming ruler of Belgae near the frontlines, however, he volunteered and said that as the next ruler it came well that he got to know his subjects and participate even if afar from actual combat, of the liberation of his future people.

Perhaps this was the thought of a young naive man, but the generals and king of Ubren approved of his bravery and valor, allowing him to accompany Janik in the Belgaen campaign, however, with the condition of always being close to the bodyguard of Janik.

Whatever his expectations of war were, they would soon meet the harsh and dark reality of warfare, as Janik received the reports of the thousands of men slaughtered in the first move of Ubren in this war, most of them Attolians, some of them Belgaen civilians and fewer that of the his own army, but soon Oscar came to realize that in war, it didn't matter in what side you were on, death could always find its way to anyone, for not even the mightiest army of the continent could be said to not have any dead within any combat.

Something that is not to be left out of mention is that Oscar had a large parchment of paper containing the declaration of independence of Belgae from the Attolians, written by Nils Ostergard. Signed by the King of Ubren, Himself and Nils, however, it lacked something, the signing of a popular assembly by the people of Belgae, this was something it lacked and would only be able to be if the army of Janik was successful at taking the province of Belgae from the hands of the Attolians.

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen





1st of November

While Europe seems to be descending into chaos and war, at least in the far reaches of the world peace still appears to reign. A colonist party embarks from Toubrian Coviria, sailing along the coastline until it until they reach the very southern tip of the continent, founding the colony of Toubrian Tavira. As is becoming expected, The Republic of Toubres announces the formation of a new self sustaining group of colonies, the South-Western Territories of Toubres. With it's capital in the oldest colony of the region, Toubrian Bravas, the South-Western Territories serves as a middle ground between the established South Territories and West Territories, and trade is good.

2nd of November

It becomes clear that The Empire of Attolia will not be fighting it's war against The Kingdom of Ubren alone. Quick to stay true to the promise they made with the Continental Alliance, The Kingdom of Aontas officially declares war on Ubren. And they also make it clear that this is no empty threat. The majority of the Aontas fleet sails from the successful siege of Rogosz and begins patrolling the northern coast of Ubren, the territory that belonged to Aontas just years earlier. They are a deterrent more than anything, as Ubren still commands no fleet of their own, but it is still a clear sign of intent.

4th of November

While The Kingdom of Aontas is quick to come to it's allies aid, The Hastel Dominions is slow to come to theirs, in fact they seem resolved to leave The Kingdom of Ubren standing alone. Unsurprisingly, this delay is met by uproar within the Dominions. A mere glance at the history books show that the two nations have been brothers in arms for centuries, and yet now that Ubren finds itself at war again, the Hastel Dominions sits idly by? Protests become a common sight across all of the major cities in the Dominions, demanding that Hastel honours their pledge to Ubren, and joins the war. Although the war does not seem to be a pressing concern for Emperor Erhard Hastel, warfare still is. The Dominions pours money into the development of military technologies, hoping to develop new artillery, even if it means throwing money at the problem until it goes away.

7th of November

The Empire of Attolia makes its first move in the war. General Joel Keskitalo is a man that will no doubt find himself often on the front line of the coming war. A grizzled man with the stubbornness of a mule, Keskitalo has earned his rank through decades of service to the Empire. While he is a far cry from the tactical flair of most of Europe's generals, there are few men who can be better trusted to hold the line. For now, he has been tasked with mustering Attolia's armies. From Calae, he summons soldiers of the Empire to him, and thousands march to his call.

9th of November

Protests continue to rage across The Hastel Dominions, clamouring for the Dominions to march to the aid of The Kingdom of Ubren, and again, the actions of the Emperor serves to both appease, and further inflame the protesters. A recruitment effort is launched, the recruiters travelling all across the Dominions, calling on the sons of Hastel to sign up and fight the nation's wars. And yet the Dominions continue to sit idle, not moving to their allies side.

10th of November

The Three City's Republic of Ianian is clearly keen to continue building relations, despite the war that's spreading through other nation's of Europe. Continuing to strengthen the bonds in the European Trading League, the Republic proposes an idea to The Redcliff Empire, that officers of the Empire's armies 'exchange' with officers of the Republic's navies. The Redcliff Empire, still vying to improve their still burgeoning navy, open their arms to the proposal. Not only do the officers represent a respective strengthening of the two nations weaknesses, it also represents a new and growing friendship, the officers immersing themselves into the culture they now find themselves in, helping break down the stereotypes and labels that had previously marred relations.

12th of November

The Kingdom of Ubren marches to war. But it is not the province of Belgae that trembles before an advancing Ubren army, not this time. General Fritz Hecker is a man better known for his defensive exploits, but that is not to say that he has only one use. As with all of Ubren's generals, he is a leader almost without equal, and he cannot ignore the opportunity presented before him. With twenty thousand men at his back, he crosses into The Empire of Attolia province of Centrix. The province he finds is woefully under defended. A solitary division of Light Infantry are tasked with defending three Attolian cities against an army that outnumbers them almost seven to one. Unsurprisingly, this is an impossible task. Commander Pierre Leclère, the man who has found himself the impromptu commander of the province's defence, decides that his best chance is to hole himself into the provincial capital, Centrix itself, and hope they can prevail until relief arrives. The province's other two cities, Vilset and Avirault, are taken without resistance, and the Siege of Centrix begins, the Ubren forces keen for a quick victory.

13th of November

While war threatens to consume their heartland, further afield The Empire of Attolia still seems to have it's focus elsewhere. From the colony of Antilla a heavily defended and well protected colonisation fleet sets off, the colonisers defended by no less than six thousand Attolian soldiers as they embark. The journey ahead of them is formidable one, their intended destination on the west coast of the north-western continent. The man tasked with steering the fleet, Commander Renaud Fournier, had liberated for a long time over the course to take, whether to risk the northern passages freezing around them, or brave a stretch of water that strikes fear into the hearts of all sailors. Eventually, the weather forces his hand. A biting cold has latched its icy fingers onto the north, and so the colonising fleet turns south. The voyage ahead is immense, and will take months to complete, but they are on their way.

15th of November

While one fleet of The Empire of Attolia is just beginning their journey, another is, thankfully, coming to the end of theirs. The fleet of Admiral Topi Valtonen, in truth the majority of Attolia's naval strength, even if it has been badly battered in it's fleeing from The Shuren Dynasty, approaches uncharted land. The string of islands they encounter clearly share a cultural bond with the Shuren Dynasty, but they are also something entirely new. The language barrier is of course inescapable, but the Attolian fleet is cautiously accepted into an impressive port, and their gold and silver are accepted as payment for supplies. Over time, they learn that this land is The Tadahisa Shogunate. The Shogunate have enjoyed their isolation from the European powers until now, but they too are concerned about the strength that the Shuren Dynasty now wields, and there is certainly no love lost between the eastern powers. For now they agree to shelter the fleet, in return for continued payment of course.

16th of November

Across The Republic of Toubres, there is a celebration of everything the nation represents. Across every province of the Republic's homeland and across every one of the formidable number of colonies that Toubres now rules. The Western Territories, the South-Western Territories and the Southern Territories all hold lavish and extensive celebrations that last for days, showcasing the best and brightest that the colonies can possess. And in Amzores, the Republic's capital, there is a Grand Expedition, a symbol of a vast wealth and power, followed by a city-wide celebration that seems to never end. The cost of this celebration was colossal, but in what is the two hundred and fiftieth year since the Republic was formed, it is a sign of wealth, and it does wonders in inspiring the people who call Toubres their home.

Unsurprisingly, the other effect that this celebration has is on a colony of The Kingdom of Aontas. Separated by only a narrow strait of water, the people that are currently oppressed, butchered like animals if they so much as speak out against the conditions they have been forced into, are forced to watch their cultural brothers celebrate and laugh, respected subjects of a powerful nation. This seems to push them even further across the tipping point, any who can take up arms, do. The island becomes a war zone, the populace against the mercenaries. The garrison finds itself caught in the middle, resolving to simply bar themselves inside their own fortifications. Several, however, take up arms alongside the populace. The colony is a boiling pot that's been left to overflow.

18th of November

Admiral Kai Kauppinen is slightly surprised when he receives his orders. Rather than being ordered to sail out and bring fiery ruin to The Kingdom of Ubren, the officer of The Empire of Attolia is instead instructed to remain in the capital province, rallying the people and offering Letters of Marquis to any Attolian citizens who wish to take up arms against the advancing Ubren army. A variety of reasons combine to make this idea fall flat. The first is that Admiral Kauppinen is poorly suited to the task, a still young and impetuous man, he loathes being trapped on land for too long, yearning instead for the sea. The second is the fact that those who wish to fight Ubren have already largely joined the Empire's armies and navies, there are a few that do take the offer, quickly adapting their ships to vessels of war, and sailing off, but they are little more than common crooks and rogues already. The effort eventually fades into nothingness, and Admiral Kauppinen gratefully returns to his ship.

21st of November

Again, The Kingdom of Aontas shows that it is committed to supporting The Empire of Attolia, even if chaos is reigning in their territories further abroad. The army previously assigned to watching the Kingdom's border with The Empire of Rubrus, under the command of General Fastulf Arnisson, begins the long journey across the length of the Kingdom, moving towards the province of Kienne. It is a formidable journey, through the bitter winter, but when they arrive, they will almost be withing sight of the northern coast of The Kingdom of Ubren.

22nd of November

The military campaign that The Kingdom of Ubren has launched in the province of Belgae is an extensive one. The formidable army under General Janik Tillich divides into three prongs, each prong marching with the intent to capture one of the provinces three cities. The main force, commanded by General Tillich himself, moves to the provincial capital, Belgae itself. Even without almost fifty thousand men at his back, Tillich is a phenomenal general, undoubtedly one of the greatest strategists alive in Europe. But with an army at his back, he is the stuff of nightmares for The Empire of Attolia defenders. It is in Belgae that the majority of the survivors from Ubren's initial attack have retreated to, but they are still woefully outnumbered. More than eighty Ubren cannons open fire, and few think the garrison can hold out for long.

23rd of November

While one prong of The Kingdom of Ubren army has descended upon the city of Belgae, the second prong find themselves with a far easier task. Marching north, a force of more than thirty thousand soldiers makes for the city of Houte. The closest city to the Ubren border, it is unsurprisingly not only one of the centers of the rebellion in the province, but also The Empire of Attolia city who's garrison was most brutally effected by the Ubren cavalry. Only a few hundred Attolia soldiers made it back to the city, and with the approaching Ubren army, the people rise up, throwing open the gates, and throwing the Attolian soldiers out before the conquerors. In a surprisingly merciful move, the Ubren soldiers spare the Attolians, even going so far as to ensuring their safety from the angry mob that has gathered. However it happened, Houte is firmly under Ubren control.

24th of November

The largest of the three The Kingdom of Ubren prongs is the one that marches furthest to the west. All to aware that it is the city of Nartoise that will likely receive reinforcements from The Empire of Attolia, the Kingdom of Ubren looks to break the city as quickly as possible. More than sixty thousand men, and nearly one hundred guns, race to the walls of the city, and begin the siege. Although only a few thousand Attolian soldiers stand to defend the city, the city is the one least troubled by the rebels, and the garrison need only worry about threats outside their walls. Even so, they are heavily outnumbered, and can only hope that that relief arrives before the city crumbles around them.

26th of November

The fratenising of The Empire of Attolia soldiers in The Kingdom of Sescos is drawn to an abrupt halt. General Ilppo Rehn rallies his forces together, and then marches. Although it is not back to Attolian territory that the nearly fifty thousand strong army marches, it is instead to the north, to the border that Sescos shares with The Kingdom of Vendsyssel. There, they deliver an ultimatum, that Vendsyssel agrees to a white peace with The Empire of Rubrus and The kingdom of Claidor, or else risk Attolia joining the war against them. The letter they receive in answer, written by King Casimir Henryk Augustus III himself, is a masterpiece of diplomatic speech. But reading between the lines, the message is clear. The Empire of Attolia is in no position to be making threats. The men at Rehn's back cannot be spared for a second war, not in the face of the formidable strength of The Kingdom of Ubren. Peace will not be announced, not unless it is dictated by Vendsyssel and their allies.

27th of November

The defence of the city of Centrix by Commander Pierre Leclère is undeniably heroic and valiant, the heavily outnumbered soldiers of The Empire of Attolia fighting like lions, and Leclère proves himself a brilliant leader, no doubt worthy of a rapid climbing of the ranks. If he had survived. But he didn't. He is cut down, holding a breach in the wall alone, musket clutched in his hands, a warcry on his lips and a fire burning in his heart. The fire is still in his heart as he falls, but as he dies, so does the spirit of his men. Overwhelmed, and with no leader, the Attolian soldiers surrender in their droves, and their surrender is accepted by the force of The Kingdom of Ubren. The province is entirely under the control of Ubren, but it is not destined to be for long. Almost as soon as the last Attolian soldier has surrendered, the Kingdom of Ubren sends word to The Redcliff Empire. Centrix is to be intended to it's original owners, and Redcliff joyfully takes Ubren up on their offer. Redcliff's involvement in the war is quickly swinging in favour of Ubren, as debates spring up afresh for Redcliff to fight alongside Ubren.

29th of November

Despite clearly being on the back foot in it's war against The Kingdom of Ubren, The Empire of Attolia continues to muster it's armies. This time, it is the turn of General Eerikki Klemetti to rally troops, leaving his post on the border with The Holy Territories of Edoniras to call on a force to gather in the province of Bergen. While still a young man, General Klemetti is undoubtedly a people's champion. A handsome nobleman, Klemetti has become the poster boy of the Attolian army, and he is disarmingly charming. In truth, he is a better poster boy than he is an actual general, but his men will still die for him without question. And this will no doubt be tested, as the city of Belgae falls. Although it boasted the best defences of the province, against the sheer brilliance of General Janik Tillich, it never stood a chance. Now it is only the ragtag defenders in the city of Nartoise that prevents Ubren from claiming the province.

30th of November

Whether it was bureaucratic incompetence, weather delays or something more malicious, it is almost a month after the orders are given that the fleet of The Empire of Attolia, under the command of Admiral Antti Erkkilä. The fleet launches a highly destructive attack on all of the coastal dykes, sea walls and dams along the north coast of the province of Belgae, and it has more than the desired effect. The rivers of the province swell, spilling over their banks, washing away bridges, and flooding the lowlands. Unsurprisingly, this hardly helps the loyalty of the provinces inhabitants, their own nation's navy seemingly attacking them, but it is not them that the flooding it intended to affect, it is the army of The Kingdom of Ubren. Their supply lines back to their homeland are hit hard, but the supply lines will repair themselves in time, and the Ubren armies have no need to advance, the province almost within their grasp. The bitter irony is that if this attack had only happened a few weeks earlier, it would have crippled the Ubren attack, rather than simply inconvenience them.

.

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen





2nd of December

The Empire of Attolia launches an extensive propaganda campaign, attempting to condemn The Kingdom of Ubren even further. In particular, they suggest that the case of Josua Hasselmann, the Ubren citizen supposedly beaten and falsely imprisoned by the Attolian Sentinels, is merely a hoax. The Attolian newspapers cry out that Ubren is a nation of warmongers, rejecting Attolia's peace proposal, earning the condemnation of the Pope himself, and that the peace-loving nations of Europe must rally to the just cause of the Empire of Attolia. As Attolia is beaten back by Ubren on nearly every front, this called for aid cannot come soon enough.

3rd of December

As their armies march to war, the vast war machine of The Kingdom of Ubren is stoked into life. The Military Arsenal, in the nation's capital, is a formidable logistical weapon, and it is pushed to it's full capacity. Army recruiters embark to every corner of the nation, fire and brimstone in their voices as they whip the people of Ubren into a nationalistic frenzy. This same frenzy spills over into The Hastel Dominions, a nation who's people are still disgusted that they do not march to the aid of their allies. Protests evolve into riots, the provinces of Westrich, Bruchval and even the capital province of Weidingen, all grind to a halt, as the people demand that the Dominions honour their word.

6th of December

In the shattered ruins of The Kingdom of Sescos, there is at least a spark of hope. Following the truce, The Empire of Attolia offers a more substantial treaty. The agreement is certainly far-reaching, establishing open migration and trade between the two nations, free labour in the form of Attolian prisoners, the adoption of Attolian currency to stabilize the struggling economy, and a formalization of their alliance in the form of marriage between King Ciro Malas and the Emperor's younger sister, Princess Bela. There is three challenges that this treaty faces. The first, is that the Attolian army, the greatest symbol of the two nations bond as it stood in defence of Sescos on the border with Dashkatar, has abandoned it's post, and marched north. The second, is Attolia's war with The Kingdom of Ubren, for any alliance with Attolia now may draw the wrath of Ubren and their allies. And the third, is the fact that Ubren, and their half-ally The Redcliff Empire form an impassable barrier between the two nations, preventing any serious migration, or any trade that avoids the tax of The Three City's Republic of Ianian. King Malas is a weak and frightened man, and his blind fear of war with Ubren leads him to ignoring the treaty, preferring to hide behind his castle walls. Thankfully, it is not King Malas that truly holds the power in the Kingdom of Sescos. Dimos Zaros, the bastard son of King Bakos Mátyás, the half-brother of King Pieter Mátyás, is at least a shade of that great bloodline, and in his distant relatives name, he agrees to the treaty, signalling a new age of hope in the Kingdom of Sescos.

7th of December

It is remarkable that The Empire of Attolia city of Nartoise has withstood the siege from the army of The Kingdom of Ubren for as long as it has. Outnumbered more than ten to one, the garrison has dug in, and gritted it's teeth, praying that aid arrives quickly. For Ubren, they continue to hammer the city walls, the cannons rarely falling silent.

9th of December

All too aware that it's supply lines and trade routes are almost relics, The Hastel Dominions launches a massive project, intended to rejuvenate their infrastructure. With the budget given to it, this should be a success, but due to the riots and protests still gripping the nation, it simply sputters out before it can ever gain any traction. The people of the Dominions are baying for blood, but if it not not the blood of The Empire of Attolia that they are allowed to spill, then they may start looking closer to home. While Emperor Erhard Hastel maintains his stony silence on the issue of their allies war, not marching to the aid of The Kingdom of Ubren, these riots will only continue to grow.

11th of December

Keen to fully secure their colonial hold in the region, a party of colonists hailing from The Three City's Republic of Ianian colony of South Iberia, embarks to the north. South Iberia itself is only recently established, but there are still a brave group who readily take the opportunity to further extend the Republic's colonial holdings. It could also be that rumours of the colonial fleet of The Empire of Attolia, embarked from Antillia almost a month before, has reached the people of the Republic, and they are keen to secure their own claim on the land. The colony of North Iberia is born.

14th of December

Finally, The Kingdom of Aontas acts. Their colony of Suveren has become a chaotic wasteland, and it is this scene that the fifteen thousand soldiers of Aontas see as they arrive. Led by General Iric Herjolfsson, and supported by a substantial portion of the Kingdom's fleet, the soldiers are quickly put to work to restore order on the island. The mercenary captains are seized and executed, but the mercenaries themselves, the men that had butchered and pillaged the Aontas people, are simply sent back to their homelands, and given their full pay. The land that the small army reclaim is a barren land, tens of thousands lie dead, the settlements are in ruins, and in truth, the colony will take years to recover. For now at least, a tentative peace is restored.

16th of December

General Janik Tillich makes his move. Even as the bitter winter weather makes the waterlogged conditions even worse, the almost legendary commander of The Kingdom of Ubren cannot sit idly by while a glimmer of resistance from The Empire of Attolia remains in the province of Belgae. Although he sends word to the force at the city of Houte to join him, the flooded ground makes the progress of the message slow and sluggish, so he endeavors to push on without their support. With forty thousand men at his back, the general begins the difficult journey to join the Ubren army already besieging the city of Nartoise. It is good fortune that he does not need to cross any of the major rivers that run through the province, their banks now burst and their bridges in ruins.

17th of December

The majority of the European Trading League, The Three City's Republic of Ianian, The Republic of Toubres, The Echyan Empire, The Holy Territories of Edoniras and The Republic of Oflua all condemn the nations of both The Kingdom of Ubren and The Empire of Attolia for warmongering. As a gesture to encourage the nations to come to the table for peace talks, they announce a trading embargo. Considering the fact that the group of nations include some of the strongest economies in Europe, this is a serious injury to the two nations affected. It is a saving grace for Ubren that The Redcliff Empire did not join, and trade continues to flow between the two nations.

19th of December

The province officially handed over to The Redcliff Empire, the force of The Kingdom of Ubren under the command of General Fritz Hecker withdraws from Centrix. Only hours later, soldiers of Redcliff march in to take control, ensuring that it will not repeat it's grievous error of leaving it's territories undefended. The arriving soldiers are greeted on the streets like liberating heroes. The Redcliff Empire that the province voted to leave was a crumbling power beset on all sides by enemies and crippled by debt, but the Redcliff Empire that welcomes them back into the fold is once again a major European power, and one that only continues to grow in strength. The significance of this 'gift' from Ubren to Redcliff, will certainly come to be seen in the coming weeks and months.

20th of December

The time for sitting back and amassing it's armies is clearly over for The Empire of Attolia. It is General Joel Keskitalo that is first given the orders to advance. With a force of more than fifty-five thousand men at his back, as well as several thousand mercenaries, Keskitalo marches for the city of Nartoise. The race to the city is well and truly on. One pressing problem presents itself, the extensive flooding that plagues the province of Belgae does not only act as an obstacle to The Kingdom of Ubren, and while the Ubren army does not need to cross a major river to reach the city, the Attolian army does. A decidedly flooded major river now. The land surrounding the river has been turned into a marsh, and the river itself, all but the most sturdily built bridges swept away, is a raging torrent. Crossing the river is slow, painfully slow.

22nd of December

Admiral Kai Kauppinen is finally granted the freedom of the seas. Sailing to join Admiral Antti Erkkilä, the two men, with the whole of the naval strength in Europe of The Empire of Attolia at their back, goes on the hunt for any supply convoys of The Kingdom of Ubren. What they find is sorely disappointing. Any burgeoning naval ventures that Ubren had been making since establishing their own coastline for the first time have already been stifled by The Kingdom of Aontas, and the fleet of Attolia finds itself with little to do. Perhaps it is this boredom that leads them to eyeing up the city of Iversen itself. With no navy to oppose them, the fleet begins darting raids upon the city. In truth, the admirals do not have the tools for the jobs, their frigates and sloops poorly suited for attacks against the formidable coastal fortifications of the city, but they do what they can.

25th of December

It is clear that Admiral Topi Valtonen does not intend to linger within The Tadahisa Shogunate. Offering whatever payment works, whether it is gold, trinkets or weapons, the fleet of The Empire of Attolia gains fresh crew, and rudimentary ships. Once satisfied, Valtonen sails south, vengeance burning in his heart, intending to catch the fleet of The Shuren Dynasty off guard, and to attack the capital of the Dynasty itself.

27th of December

Winter has truly fallen, it's grip like a vice all across Europe. Leaving the mass of his army behind, General Janik Tillich of The Kingdom of Ubren has ridden hard through the flooded lands of Belgae and reached the army besieging the city of Nartoise, the garrison somehow continuing its defence. The relieving army of The Empire of Attolia can be seen, just a few miles away from the cities walls, still wading through the marshland, and Tillich realises that there is no time to lose. His strategic brilliance is so great that merely his presence makes an immediate difference. Focusing the heaviest guns of Ubren on one region of the city walls, Tillich successfully creates a breach, and once the most elite soldiers of Ubren are within the city, the day is won. Although the garrison fights almost to the last, praying that the Attolian army will arrive in time, by the time the Attolian army does reach the city, the Ubren force is within, and so the Second Siege of Nartoise begins just hours after the First Siege ends.

29th of December

In the midst of the war between The Kingdom of Ubren and The Empire of Attolia, an announcement is made that sends shock waves throughout Europe. The interrogations of the Tribunal in The Holy Territories of Edoniras have been growing increasingly intense, bordering on torture at times, but finally, there is a breakthrough. One of the spies, a man who gives his name as Joel Börngen, finally breaks. The confession drawn from his lips is a simple one. The small fortune with which the spies were funded with, instructed to infiltrate the province of Belgae, came from a source. The Kingdom of Ubren.

30th of December

General Eerikki Klemetti uses his easy charm to rally several thousand mercenaries to his cause, and those soldiers of fortune, along with three thousand cavalry troopers of The Empire of Attolia, cross the border into The Kingdom of Ubren province of Obertal. Once there, they begin a string of hit and run raids, focusing their attacks on the numerous supply lines running into the newly conquered province of Belgae. They do what they can, but they can only do so much, forced to retreat from any sizable Ubren forces that are sent after them, and General Klemetti is really no great general, even in this he is out of his depth. Regardless, the raids continue.

31st of December

The main fleet of The Empire of Attolia descends upon the capital of The Shuren Dynasty. Although Admiral Valtonen is correct that the Shuren fleet is celebrating their victory, the natural defences of the capital, the narrow channel that any approaching fleet has to pass before they reach the port itself, mean that the fleet receives ample warning. Once again, the two great fleets collide in a roar of cannons and spray of seawater and blood. The Attolian sailors fight with a burning determination, but they have sailed into the lion's den, coastal defences on all sides. They reap a bloody toll upon the Shuren fleet, but Admiral Valtonen quickly realises that if they prolong their attack, they could all too easily be caught within the large natural harbour and be utterly destroyed. So the Attolian's are forced to retreat and lick their wounds as they return to the relative safe harbour of The Tadahisa Shogunate, hoping that they are not hounded by pursuers.

The Empire of Attolia proclaims the following:

Given the recent return of Centrix to the Redcliff Empire and with popularity by the locals, the Empire of Attolia hereby formally releases any and all claims and obligations to the province of Centrix to promote and secure peace in Europe. We are glad to see that no blood was shed in this transfer of land, but we do bemoan the loss of our valiant men in this war against the perfidious Ubren. May peace return to Europe as a whole, both in the west and in the east.

Signed,
Emperor Lothair II of Attolia

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen





1st of January

The European Trading League acts. Reeling from the revelations made by the tribunal of The Holy Territories of Edoniras, condemning The Kingdom of Ubren for performing subterfuge to stoke the flames of rebellion in Belgae, the Trading League quickly holds a summit of all members. In a series of letters, an ultimatum is delivered to The Empire of Attolia. If Attolia accepts the League's terms, then the League will intervene in the Ubren-Attolian War in Attolia's favour. The terms are simple, that Attolia recognizes the province of Centrix as belonging to The Redcliff Empire once more, and that Attolia signs The Colonial Treaty of the New World. Although there is some debate, Attolia agrees to both of the terms, and the League unanimously agrees to come to Attolia's aid. The nations of The Three City's Republic of Ianian, The Republic of Toubres, The Echyan Empire, The Holy Territories of Edoniras, The Republic of Oflua and The Redcliff Empire all now prepare to intervene in the war, as well as lifting the League's short-lived embargo on Attolia. While the balance starts to shift, The Hastel Dominions continues to sit dominant, quickly becoming one of Ubren's only allies. The riots and protests continue to rage, crippling any plans that the Dominions may have that do not involve at least acknowledging the plight of their neighbours.

4th of January

Around the city of Nartoise, an uneasy siege has begun. The formidable army of The Kingdom of Ubren, commanded by General Janik Tillich, has dug in within the city walls, and the army of The Empire of Attolia, intended to liberate the city, has begun a loose siege, not wanting to be outflanked by the second Ubren army that they are all too aware is slowly making it's way to the city. But it is not here that the first conflict of the year is fought. The idea of Ubren fighting it's war against Attolia simply with the aim to liberate the people of Belgae, and to return Centrix to The Redcliff Empire, is abandoned, as from the province of Kleinhut, General Fritz Hecker marches. With nearly eighty thousand men at his back, General Hecker is keen to build on his exploits, the conquest of Centrix already under his belt. However where Centrix was barely defended, Bergen will prove a greater challenge. Although without a General to command them, the garrison of the province still stands at more than thirty thousand men. And the garrison is prepared. Somehow, the Attolian army knew that the Ubren army were coming, and scattered reports from the Ubren army itself tell of strange, distant shapes in the sky. Regardless of how they did it, the Attolian garrison uses the time to prepare, entrenching their positions. Although the Ubren army comes looking for an open battle, they instead find well-defended cities, and so it is one of these cities that they march towards. The Siege of Argenles begins.

5th of January

As if summoned, General Eerikki Klemetti returns to the province of Bergen. Five thousand cavalry at his back, Klemetti races back from the raiding of Obertal, and joins the defence of The Empire of Attolia province. He is so loved by the men under his command that the news of his mere presence in the province ignites a fire in the garrison, and as Klemetti rides to the province capital, the defenders grit their teeth and continue to stand resolute against the forces of The Kingdom of Ubren.

7th of January

Bloodied yet again by the fleet of The Shuren Dynasty, Admiral Topi Valtonen finally seems to abandon his apparent vendetta against the Dynasty. In truth, it is only the Admiral's charm, and the respect that his men have for him, that have seen the sailors of The Empire of Attolia have not broken following their string of defeats and narrow escapes. Now, at least, they seem set to return to more friendly waters. The order is given for the fleet to sail south, to lick their wounds at the Attolian colonies. Although their route inevitably takes them past the Shuren Dynasty, they are left unchallenged, although they are never without the distant shapes of ships watching them on their journey. Finally, they arrive into relative safety, but the fleet that arrives is a shadow of the hopeful fleet that stopped at the colonies months before. Their numbers are in tatters, the thousands of crew have been lost to the sea, and the ships and sailors that do remain are in tatters. The slow process of repair begins.

8th of January

No doubt inspired by the recent discovery by The Kingdom of Aontas, and encouraged by the war that only continues to escalate against The Empire of Attolia, The Kingdom of Ubren begins work towards the creation of a new musket. Although Ubren still boasts one of the finest trained armies across Europe, a workman is only as good as his tools, and the musket of the Ubren army is becoming increasingly outdated. The full force of the Ubren Academy of Ballistic Science is put to work, their previous project of rockets largely abandoned.

10th of January

Although bound by a colonial treaty to the west, to the east, The Empire of Attolia still has clear aspirations of colonial expansion. A colonial party is gathered, protected by a regiment of Attolian Line Infantry, but the journey ahead is a perilous one. Following a route that had only previously been charted by The Three City's Republic of Ianian, Attolia sails even further, finally reaching their intended destination. They find that the island is already inhabited, and that the inhabitants are not the most welcoming. Although they watch the newcomers warily, the three thousand armed men accompanying the colonists is more than enough to dampen any hostile thoughts amongst the natives. Not to be put off, the colonists establish themselves, and although they are careful to keep the soldiers between themselves and the natives, the colony of Rouzon is formed. What is most surprising however, is that the offer from Attolia for the Attolia East Asia Trading Company to expand their charter to the new colony in exchange for shares is rejected. While Attolia has been racking up debt, the Trading Company has been flourishing, and they have been only further increasing their power in the colonies of the region. The Empire of Attolia is ruler only in name.

11th of January

With their colonial holdings only growing in strength, The Republic of Toubres looks to encourage the migration of it's people to the colonies. They look to achieve this through the creation of three 'convoys', regularly travelling between the Toubres mainland and The Western Territories, The South-Western Territories and The Southern territories respectively. Embarking from Toubres laden with bright-eyed new colonists, and returning with the crucial colonial taxes and other luxury items, the convoys are to be protected by a branch of the Republic's formidable navy, and they are prepared to begin at once.

13th of January

Clearly in response to their pledge to intervene in the Ubren-Attolia War in favour of The Empire of Attolia, The Holy Territories of Edoniras begins mustering an army in the province of Sul. Nearly eighty thousand men, with the Pope's personal blessing, stand ready to march to the aid of Attolia. Whether they will actively engage with The Kingdom of Ubren still stands to be seen, as no deceleration of war has been made, but it is still a clear sign of intent.

14th of January

Looking to build further on the burgeoning Officer Exchange Program, The Three City's Republic of Ianian proposes a further exchange with The Redcliff Empire, a promising Echyan naval officer becoming an Admiral for Redcliff, and in return an equally promising Redcliff army officer becoming a General for Ianian. By chance, General Roberto Valier has long been considering his retirement, his long tenure in the colony of New Genia convincing him to spend his last years there. The man that takes his place is Stagio Fiorensi. A young man, but already the most talented general that Ianian commands, Stagio is reckless, but brilliant. Although he is yet to earn his men's trust, he may well be soon put to the test.

15th of January

The war of The Empire of Rubrus and The Kingdom of Claidor against The Kingdom of Vendsyssel and The Kingdom of Ilastiri has ground to a halt over the cold winter months. Although Norzeg is firmly under Rubrus control, the Rubrus army was quick to abandon its planned further invasion of the province following the deceleration of war between The Empire of Attolia and The Kingdom of Ubren. Keen to honour their pledge to Attolia, Rubrus have since then been attempting to negotiate their way out of their own war. And finally, those negotiations can come to a close. The terms laid out by Vendsyssel and Ilastiri are far from generous ones. Rubrus and Claidor must both concede that the war was started by Claidor, and that all actions taken by Vendsyssel and Ilastiri following that outbreak were just. The conquered land will remain conquered, and Rubrus and Claidor must pay for the damage and loss of life they have inflicted. It is a brutal and woefully one-sided treaty, but Rubrus and Claidor both sign, and the war officially draws to a close, the main Rubrus army retreating back to friendly territory. Perhaps in preparation for the next war, the Empire of Rubrus makes contact with their allies to the north, The Kingdom of Aontas, placing a sizable order for the 'Aaberg Musket'. The factories of Aontas are happy to accept the full payment, and begin work at once.

17th of January

Despite the conflict with The Empire of Attolia raging to the west, The Kingdom of Ubren is not entirely focused on war. In Altubren, a vast project, aimed at further increasing the already burgeoning industrialization of the region. By pouring more of the nation's sizable economy into new and developing industries, as well as attempting to tempt new talent from neighbouring nations, Ubren is continuing to define itself as one of the leading industrial powers in Europe.

18th of January

The Second Siege of Nartoise continues. By now, the second army of The Kingdom of Ubren has also reached the city, and half-circled the besieging army of The Empire of Attolia. Neither Ubren or Attolia seem willing to play their hand yet, waiting for orders to reach them. The tension in the air around the city is thick, but relief is coming, or at least a form of it. While the Attolian army under General Joel Keskitalo awaits their orders, Admirals Antti Erkkilä and Kai Kauppinen receive theirs. Abandoning their raiding of the ports and coastal settlements of Torrik, the Attolian fleet is ordered to sail down the flooded rivers of Belgae, to attack the Ubren forces. Months have passed since the initial flooding, and the waters have largely flooded, but a handful of sloops still make the journey, harassing what supply lines they can reach. It is around the city of Nartoise itself that the fleet finds the greatest success. The bombardment requires some control, due to the Attolian forces gathered around the city, but steadily, the Attolian ships begin to chip away at the Ubren armies.

20th of January

With the ink on the Colonial Treaty of the New World still drying, The Republic of Toubres sends a diplomatic party to The Echyan Empire, keen to establish a working relationship between the two nations, not only as they divide the south-western continent between themselves, but also opening the possibility for collaboration in further exploration of Africa. This diplomatic party is warmly greeted by Echya, and the two nations quickly go to work.

21st of January

The Kingdom of Ubren continues it's sweeping invasion of The Empire of Attolia. The Siege of Argenles is continuing to drag on, the army of Ubren unable to break down the spirited and entrenched defence of the cities Attolian garrison. But to the north, General Wulf Weigl is also on the march. More than eighty thousand men make use of the narrow passage between the provinces of Obertal and Calae, conquest in their heart as they flank around the Attolian army still besieging Nartoise. What they find in the province of Calae is a welcome surprise. While General Fritz Hecker struggles to break down the spirited defenders of Bergen, General Wulf Weigl finds that in the province of Calae, there are no defenders at all. Conquering the province becomes a simple task of travelling from city to city and tearing down the Attolian flags. The City of Camsir falls first, and the Ubren force marches onwards, towards the provincial capital of Calae itself.

23rd of January

In the province of Centrix, an army of The Redcliff Empire is mustered. Redcliff has lost some of the awe-inspiring might that it once possessed, but when needed, it can still call upon one of the most powerful armies in Europe. The army that musters in Centrix stands at more than eighty thousand men, highly trained veterans of war, summoned to honour the Empire's allegiance to the Trading League. No more will the Empire need to rely upon goodwill and pity, it will forge it's own path once again.

25th of January

While their homeland is ravaged by The Kingdom of Ubren, the army of The Empire of Attolia marches not to aid their compatriots, but instead to the south, returning to the capital of The Kingdom of Sescos. Larymnas is a burnt and broken ruin, abandoned by all but a few stragglers, and Sescos have instead taken the city of Kavros as their capital, deep in the untouched province of Svoza. The nearly fifty thousand strong army of Attolia serves as an honour guard for the signing of the new alliance, a show of solidarity with the Kingdom, even while their own nation is invaded.

26th of January

The province capital of Calae falls. In truth, with no garrison of The Empire of Attolia to defend it, the conquering of the city is little more than a formality for the army of The Kingdom of Ubren. Only the port city of Poirac remains, and it's people can only sit and wait for the Ubren army to reach them. No doubt buoyed by the sweeping advances of his compatriots, General Janik Tillich, entrenched within the city of Nartoise, decides to decisively break the siege of the city. The supporting army of Ubren, further bolstered by reinforcements from the city of Houte, stands at more than a sixty thousand men, and within the city of Nartoise itself, General Tillich personally commands almost the same number again. Although the bombardment from the Attolian fleet has certainly taken its toll upon the Ubren force, the Attolian army is still outnumbered more than two to one as the Ubren army charges their lines. But finally, General Tillich meets his match. While the Attolian General Joel Keskitalo is poorly suited to besieging a city, in holding a line, he is more than equal to General Tillich, in fact, he is a greater strategist. Rings of exquisitely designed and constructed defensive fortifications make the superior numbers of Ubren count for little, and the Attolian soldiers fight like lions, General Keskitalo seemingly everywhere at once. With the Attolian fleet continuing it's bombardment, the Attolian soldiers hold the line. The battle is bloody and brutal, tens of thousands lie dead in the marshes around the city of Nartoise, but when the dust finally clears, the Attolian army still holds its ground. General Tillich is no fool, he knows he is sending his men into a meat grinder, and he does not enjoy the unaccustomed taste of defeat. Pulling back his forces, Tillich retreats into the city of Nartoise, seeking shelter from the naval bombardment.

28th of January

Finally, orders reach The Empire of Attolia army in Belgae. With the Attolian fleets continued bombardment covering their retreat, the ragged, bloody but victorious army of Attolia retreats in the face of The Kingdom of Ubren forces. By either a complete fluke, or a tactical masterstroke, they are ordered to retreat to the province of Calae. They arrive into the city of Poirac just days before the celebrating Ubren force arrives to finish their conquest of the province. The Attolian army has no time to lick it's wounds, but General Joel Keskitalo simply grits his teeth, and the Siege of Poirac begins.

29th of January

All too aware that war seemingly continues to spread unchecked, The Three City's Republic of Ianian once again pushes for recruits into regiments of it's Foreign Legion. The move is a successful one, at least partially. It is clear that it is conflict that breeds soldiers, and in the colonies of north Africa, and the colonies of the Far East, plenty of men are found willing to sign up, if it means they have the safety of a weapon in their hands, and other soldiers at their back. In the flourishing colonies to the west though, the Colonial Treaty of the New World and years of rich living has made men soft, and far less willing to endure the rigours of a soldiers life.

30th of January

In Amzores, the capital of The Republic of Toubres, a great fleet is being assembled. No doubt in response to the nation's pledge, along with the other members of League, to come to the aid of The Empire of Attolia, the fleet is formidable, and it does not come a moment too soon. Attolia is a battleground. In the province of Bergen, the siege of Argenles drags on, but the defences are beginning to crumble. The garrison of the city is still resolute, encouraged by the presence of General Eerikki Klemetti, but there is a chance that the city will break before the soldiers do. In Calae, the majority of the province is firmly in the hands of The Kingdom of Ubren, the last point of resistance is the Attolian army entrenched within the city of Poirac, and the city is totally encircled, only the sea to the north offering any possible escape, or relief. The situation looks desperate, but the nations of The Redcliff Empire, The Holy Territories of Edoniras and the Republic of Toubres are all mobilizing, preparing to come to Attolia's aid. But soon, there may not be any Attolia to save.

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen





2nd of February

The Empire of Attolia mobilizes. Declaring a state of emergency, the nation frantically rallies it's people, ready for the war against The Kingdom of Ubren it already finds itself firmly in the grip of. Although help is coming, Attolia's armies lie in ruins, their provinces aflame, so the Emperor himself takes to the streets, desperately attempting to keep up the people's spirits, to prevent the nation buckling under the unbearable weight. In Calae, the grim determination of General Keskitalo is being pushed to the limit, forced to defend a city with a tattered army, a desperate last stand against overwhelming odds, every street becoming a bloody and frenzied battlefield. And in Bergen, although General Klemetti does what he can to rally his forces, the city of Argenles is on the brink of falling to the Ubren invaders.

3rd of February

True to it's word, The Three City's Republic of Ianian officially declares war on The Kingdom of Ubren. Clearly fearful that the war could spread even further, or perhaps wary of opportunistic uprisings, General Giano Barbario is redeployed to watch over the Republic's colonies to the west. Also staying true to their word, The Republic of Toubres, The Holy Territories of Edoniras and The Redcliff Empire all also declare war on Ubren. The balance of the war has drastically shifted.

5th of February

The Kingdom of Aontas seems hesitant in involving itself too greatly in the war against The Kingdom of Ubren. The memory of the massacre that was the attempted defence of Torrik is no doubt still fresh in the minds of the Aontas people, and for now, the Aontas armies do not march. General Herjolfsson remains in the colony of Suveren, establishing himself as a temporary 'governor'. His first proclamation is far from popular. Reparations are offered only to 'loyal' Aontas citizens, and this only reignites the flames of inequality amongst the native population. Only the military presence prevents the hostilities from beginning again, and after what was seemingly the last straw, almost the entire native population flees into the welcoming arms of The Republic of Toubres to the west.

7th of February

The riots and protests all across The Hastel Dominions have continued for months. Industry has ground to a halt, and the rulers of the nation cower behind their walls and their soldiers, terrified of the blazing fire that burns in the people's hearts. The pressure is constantly building, and it is close to bursting point, if the nation continues to ignore the war of it's ally The Kingdom of Ubren, the violence will only continue to escalate. Now that the balance is shifting against Ubren, the calls for the Dominions to aid them only grow louder.

8th of February

Aware of the high cost of war, or merely not enjoying how low their impressive wealth has fallen, The Three City's Republic of Ianian announces an increased tax rate. In truth, the people of the Republic are content, flush with trade, and secure in the security that the European Trading League has created, and the change is barely noticeable. Once again, the coffers begin to fill, even with war on the horizon.

9th of February

Relief arrives for the entrenched army of The Empire of Attolia in the province of Calae. It is a blessing that the city of Poirac is a port city, as it allows the European Fleet of Attolia to sail to its defenders aid. As well as bringing in fresh supplies, the ships braving the artillery firepower of The Kingdom of Ubren, the fleet also brings firepower of it's own. With their attacks co-ordinated by the same shapes in the sky that Ubren first sighted over Bergen. Balloons, tethered to the ground and floating high above the city, the men hanging in a rudimentary basket beneath the balloon communicating with the forces below, directing their fire towards the Ubren formations. The Attolian cannons take a bloody toll, as well as giving fresh hope to the cities garrison.

11th of February

The recovery of The Kingdom of Sescos is once again given a welcome boost. A diplomatic party embarks from The Three City's Republic of Ianian, crossing over The Echyan Empire and offering Sescos industrial planners and designers, continuing the spark of the Kingdom's rebuilding. Sescos is quick to accept the offer, and the industry in the nation roars into life once again.

13th of February

The army of The Holy Territories of Edoniras marches north. Wary that The Kingdom of Ubren has already proven itself canny in outflanking and outmaneuvering the armies of The Empire of Attolia, the Edoniras army under General Bertino Fioranati arrives at the province of Augverne, almost eighty thousand men under the Pope's flag taking up positions in defence of the province. The defensive line that Ubren faces has been seriously bolstered.

14th of February

Aware that The Echyan Empire has pledged to intervene in the war, as a part of the European Trading League, The Empire of Attolia is quick to send a diplomatic party to their fellow member of The Continental Alliance. The diplomatic party expresses it's understanding that Echya cannot spare any of it's forces, not with the combined might of The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar still on their border. Instead, the Attolian diplomats ask for financial aid, all too aware that their economy is on the brink of collapse. The Echyan Empire, their own economy enjoying the relative success of their colonies to the west, accepts the offer. They agree to providing Attolia with one hundred thousand Echyan Crowns, an impressive offer, with the unspoken agreement that Attolia will come to Echya's aid, should the Hijeen armies march to war.

15th of February

Admiral Tristão Gouveia takes command of the 1st Fleet of The Republic of Toubres and sails to war. Giving the conquering army of General Janik Tillich no respite, the formidable fleet begins a seemingly relentless series of attacks against The Kingdom of Ubren forces in the province of Belgae. The flooding has receded almost entirely, but the coastal cities of Houte and Nartoise have no shelter from the roaring cannons of the Ships of the Line. The naval power that Toubres can bring to bear is intimidating, even for the might of Ubren. While one fleet raids Belgae, the 2nd Fleet of Toubres, commanded by Admiral Diogo Florencio, sails to the direct aid of The Empire of Attolia, joining the European Fleet of Attolia around the besieged city of Poirac, lending their firepower to the Attolians, as well as providing vital supplies.

17th of February

The fleet of The Empire of Attolia in the far east continues to lick it's wounds. They find that the colonies they left behind have changed in the time they have been away. The East Asia Trading Company wields almost total power in the region, their private army seeming to run nearly every aspect of the colonies. Regardless, the fleet is able to resupply, the Trading Company making a great show of providing discounted goods. For now at least, The Shuren Dynasty does not stir.

20th of February

Continuing to show it's commitment to waging war against The Kingdom of Ubren, The Three City's Republic of Ianian orders General Stagio Fiorensi to muster an army in the province of Rodesia. The main strength of this army lies in the regiments of the Foreign Legion, highly trained and well armed soldiers that stand ready to march to war. Despite Ianian and the other nations of the European Trading League coming to the aid of The Empire of Attolia, the war is far from won. Although the dogged defence of Poirac continues, Argenles finally falls. The walls in ruins, the garrison is finally overwhelmed, and the Ubren army continues along the river, towards the provincial capital of Bergen itself.

21st of February

No doubt growing weary of the naval bombardment that he has suffered in the coastal cities of Belgae, unable to fight a war against ships at sea, General Janik Tillich is glad to receive his orders. Leaving the captured cities of the province garrisoned, the main force of The Kingdom of Ubren marches south. Wary of Attolia's allies mobilizing, Tillich decides that the battle over Bergen needs to be drawn to a close. Reaching the city of Orris, Janik sieges the city. With the taste of defeat still fresh in his mouth, Janik is in no mood for wasting time, and the attack on the city is ruthless and relentless.

22nd of February

Admiral Meo Viari sails to join the allied fleet surrounding Poirac. With a fleet of The Three City's Republic of Ianian at his back, the Admiral makes the short journey easily, and when he arrives, it only pours more woe onto The Kingdom of Ubren army besieging the city. The combined fleets of three nations bombard the army almost relentlessly, and thousands already lie dead, no shelter from the raining fire.

23rd of February

Orris falls under the burning fury of General Tillich. Now only the city of Bergen remains, a final stand by the forces of The Empire of Attolia against the seemingly overwhelming numbers of The Kingdom of Ubren. One army already besieges the city, and now the army of Tillich marches to join them. The already slim hope for the garrison has now been all but extinguished. The aid of The European Trading League is still arriving, but it is slow. To the north, an army of The Republic of Toubres is mustered in the nation's capital, Amzores. Highly elite riflemen, well-drilled and well-equipped, they stand ready to march to war in the coming months.

25th of February

The Kingdom of Ubren shows the first sign of perhaps doubting itself. All too aware that it has left it's flanks weakened during their push to the west, and very wary of the army of The Redcliff Empire that is gathering to their southern borders, General Fritz sends several thousand men from his force back to garrison the cities of Kleinhut, as well as preparing for The Empire of Attolia to receive reinforcements from the south. The main force remains focused on the Siege of Bergen, their numbers significantly bolstered by the arriving army of General Tillich. Although the garrison of the city is still in high morale, thanks to the command of General Klemetti, they are almost ludicrously outnumbered, and they are forced to fight almost endlessly to maintain their tenuous control of the city.

26th of February

The Siege of Poirac has dragged on, but the balance has turned against The Kingdom of Ubren. Any attempted attack that the Ubren forces launches is quickly sighted by the balloon hanging above the city and reported down to the vast fleet sitting off the coast, who are able to target their fire and quickly blunt the attack before it can build momentum. Perhaps realizing that victory is slipping away from them, General Wulf begins preparing a new strategy. While drawing up plans for his force to retreat back to Belgae, or to hold the already captured cities of Calae, Wulf sends a scouting party to the capital province of Attolia. What they find is particularly surprising.

27th of February

With the path now open through The Redcliff Empire, the army of The Empire of Attolia previously stranded in The Kingdom of Sescos begins the long march back to their homeland. Their orders call for them to aid the defence of Bergen, but with only the provincial capital still in Attolian hands, and with a significant journey ahead, their may not be any Bergen to defend by the time the army gets there.

28th of February

The vast army of The Redcliff Empire once again marches to war. But now, the nation is not standing alone against the combined weight of its neighbours, instead, Redcliff stands shoulder to shoulder with its allies in The European Trading League, and alongside the members of The Continental Alliance. While the army of The Empire of Attolia is still miles away, and the army of The Holy Territories of Edoniras seems to focus on reinforcing the defensive line, the Redcliff army takes the fight to The Kingdom of Ubren. General Melezio Parenti is keen to shake off the resounding defeat he suffered at the hands of The Republic of Oflua and The Kingdom of Ilastiri in wars past, and he marches into the province of Bergen with eighty thousand men at his back. The meagre Ubren garrison left to hold the city of Argenles is shattered in a matter of hours. Redcliff has a taste for war again, and the beast is reawakening.